Book excerpt: With Complete Guide To United States Marine Corps Medals, Badges And Insignia World War II To Present, military medal expert James G. Thompson has created a comprehensive and methodically presented encyclopedic reference to all of the Marine Corps decorations, medals, ribbons, badges, and military insignia commissioned and awarded during the Second World War. This unique military reference guide features colour plates of all Marine Corps medals and ribbons; their history and award criteria; foreign awards and UN meals given to American Marines; a complete set of Marine ribbons in their correct order with all attachments and devices; all Marine insignia (including officer and enlisted rank insignia 1944 to the present day); World War II shoulder patches; descriptions of service ID badges, aiguillettes, should cords, etc.; detailed information on marksmanship and trophy badges; a guide to the correct wearing of medals, ribbons, insignia and badges by active duty Marines and veterans; displaying awards and insignia, even instructions on how to claim a medal by a qualified serving Marine or veteran. Quite simply, this book offers everything you need to know about Marine Corps medals, badges and insignia.