The Merchant Marine Mediterranean-Middle East War Zone Medal (Bar) is a decoration of the United States Merchant Marine established by an Act of Congress on May 10, 1944.

Prior to 1992, the Merchant Marine Mediterranean-Middle East War Zone Medal was a ribbon-only decoration; otherwise known as the Merchant Marine Mediterranean-Middle East War Zone Bar.

On May 19, 1992, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the availability of new medals for civilian merchant seamen, in recognition of their service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

[1] The new medal design consists of: The shield and anchor symbolize a strong maritime service.

The palms suggest the Mediterranean-Middle East area while denoting victory and achievement.