Obverse:  In the center of a bronze medallion 1-1/4 inches in diameter, a Marine gunner is depicted serving a naval gun.  This scene is encircled within a rope, and beneath it is a scroll bearing the motto SEMPER FIDELIS (Always Faithful). Encircling the rope are the words UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.  The whole scene rests upon a fouled anchor with its crown titled to the right.  The encircling anchor chain is within the raised rim of the medal.  The medal is suspended from a bot action rifle.

Reverse:  In the center of a bronze medallion, there is a blank space for engraving of the recipients name.  Around the inside rim of the medal, the words "FIDELITY" (on the left); OBEDIENCE (on the right); and "ZEAL" (at the bottom).