The Military Order of the Iron Mike Award and Dickey Chapelle Awards, described in the highlighted text below, are conferred upon deserving individuals in conjunction with the Annual Grand Banquet held in connection with the Marine Corps League-sponsored Modern Day Marine Military Exposition.

Also, in conjunction with the annual Modern Day Marine Military Exposition, the Marine Corps League, in cooperation with the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, receives nominations from field commands which leads to the bestowal of special recognition upon exceptional active duty enlisted personnel. The selectees are accorded the singular special military honor of serving as reviewing officials at a parade and awards ceremony held in their honor at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. Attendees officials include active duty, retired, reserve and former Marines of every rank and position; plus the captains of industry who arm, supply and equip Marines for their wide variety of missions on land, sea and in the air.

The Military Order of the Iron Mike and Dickey Chapelle Awards are traditionally presented at the Grand Banquet, and Enlisted Awards at a Parade and Reception held in conjunction with the September Modern Day Marine Military Exposition. These functions are attended by ranking members of the U.S. Marine Corps and industry, the Marine Corps League, and interested government and industry officials.