History

The Atlantic War Zone Medal was originally instituted as the "Atlantic War Zone Bar" by Public Law on May 10, 1943, which was presented as a ribbon only award. On May 30, 1988, the Merchant Marine Decoration and Medals Act authorized the creation of the Medal to be issued for award. The Medal was awarded to Officers and enlisted personnel of the Merchant Marines who served in the Atlantic War Zone Theatre of Operations consisting of the North and South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Barents Sea, and the Greenland Sea between December 7, 1941, and November 8, 1945. It is estimated that 235,298 Medals were awarded.

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