Obverse:  In the center of a bronze medallion, 1-1/4 inches in diameter, a sailing ship (the USS Constitution) in full rigging is shown sailing to the right.  Beneath the ship is the word CONSTITUTION.  The ship and inscription are contained within a circle of rope tied at the base.  The scene is superimposed over an anchor, with its stock appearing above and its flukes, below.  The anchors chain forms a circle between the rope and the edge of the medal.  Within the circles formed by the rope and chain are the words UNITED (on the left) STATES (on the right) and NAVY (across the lower part of the anchor).

Reverse:  The center of the reverse is left blank for engraving the recipient's name.  The word FIDELITY appears on the inside contour on the left; the word OBEDIENCE on the right, and ZEAL at the base.