On the obverse is a female Grecian figure symbolic of defense, holding in her sinister hand an ancient war shield and her dexter hand brandishing a sword above her head, and standing upon a conventionalized oak branch with four leaves. Around the top is the lettering `AMERICAN DEFENSE`.
Obverse lettering
AMERICAN DEFENSE
Obverse script
Latin
Reverse description
The reverse is the wording `FOR SERVICE DURING THE LIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 8, 1939 OR DURING THE UNLIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT ON MAY 27, 1941` above a seven-leafed spray of laurel.
Reverse lettering
FOR
SERVICE DURING THE LIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT ON
SEPTEMBER 8, 1939 or DURING THE UNLIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY
THE PRESIDENT ON MAY 27, 1941` above a seven-leafed spray of
laurel.
