Mediterranean-Middle East War Zone Bar and Medal

Gift of Charles M. Haller, 2011.417.003

The US Merchant Marine Mediterranean-Middle East War Zone medal was awarded to merchant seamen that operated in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. German aircraft were one of the greatest dangers faced in this war zone due to the close proximity to enemy airfields. Unlike military servicemen, who tended to serve in only theater, it was not uncommon for merchant mariners to earn ribbons for service all over the world.