Obverse:  In the center of a bronze medallion, 1-1/4 inches in diameter, a sailor is shown beaching a boat containing three men in uniform, one of whom is carrying a rifle.  At the rear of the boat is an American flag.  In the upper quarter of the medal, and following the contour of its rim, is the word EXPEDITIONS.

Reverse:  In the center of a bronze medallion, an eagle is shown alight upon an anchor; the eagle is facing to the left, and the flukes of the anchor are to the right side of the medallion.  The eagle is grasping sprigs of laurel which extend beyond the anchor in both directions.  Above the eagle are the words UNITED STATES NAVY.  Above the laurel on the left is the word FOR, and over the laurel on the right is the word SERVICE.