USMC Expeditionary Medal and Wake bar with ribbon help please

[warguy]

I have a buddy who is sorting through a very large assortment on medals he just picked up. In there, is this marine Expeditionary medal. The medal is clearly newer and doesn’t have a rim number. On the medal is attached a wake bar. I am pretty certain the bar is a repro. I have compared it to the one depicted in the book Call to Duty.. It’s been a long time since I have read about these, but I think tyou look for a smaller E in the word WAKE and the E looks a little “lazy”. I am just looking from confirmation from others that the bar is not legit. It is tarnished significantly more than the medal as you can see. Also, opinions on the ribbon bar with W. It look late as well. By the way, for my own education, should the Wake bar be on a rim numbered expeditionary medal?

[warguy]

Backs

[Blacksmith]

Hi Warguy - Here is a topic that I posted on one of these last August, for comparison, which fellow forum members added good reference pics to:

 

https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/361938-wake-island-device-clasp/

 

The pics your buddy provided dither when you try to zoom, making detail difficult to see.  To my eyes, the size and rotation of the "E" look consistent with the other letters, which causes me to agree with your assessment of it being a reproduction.

 

[warguy]

Thanks for the link! That’s just how I remember it, the E is the key. I am certain the one in he pics starting this post isn't right. Thanks again. 

[KASTAUFFER]

A real issued medal would be numbered. 

 

Kurt