The Dickey Chapelle and Military Order of the Iron Mike Awards are presented each year at the Modern Day Marine Grand Gala to two individuals for their exceptional service to their country and the United States Marine Corps.

The Dickey Chapelle Award honors the memory of the late Dickey Chapelle, an American foreign correspondent who first covered Marines in combat at the Battle of Iwo Jima and was killed while on patrol with a Marine Corps infantry unit engaged in combat operations against enemy forces during the Vietnam War. The award was established by the Marine Corps League to extend recognition to a woman who has contributed substantially to the morale, welfare and well-being of the officers and men and women of the United States Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps League’s annual Military Order of the Iron Mike Award was established by the Marine Corps League for the purpose of honoring a person who has most significantly contributed to the United States of America and the United States Marine Corps. The award is named for the landmark statue, “Iron Mike,” located at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. The statue and the Iron Mike Award symbolize courage, tenacity and distinguished leadership.

Military Order of the Iron Mike Award Recipients