Spanish Campaign Medal (Marine Corps)

TYPE I	TYPE II
BACK(s)
DEVICE(s)
none

Description:

1. Authorized by Special Order 81, 27 June 1908 
2. The medal was issued to officers and enlisted men of the Navy who served in the Navy in Cuban and Porto Rican waters and were attached to one of the below vessels between the dates mentioned (Navy Department Special Order No. 81 of June 27, 1908). 
3. The medallion design for this medal is IDENTICAL to the West Indies Campaign with only the words "WEST INDIES" being exchanged for "SPANISH".
4. The award criteria was later relaxed to provide for award of this medal to all persons who were in the Naval service between 20 April 1898 and 10 December 1898 (Special Order No 81 of 27 June 1908).

Background:

1. The Medal
   1. OBVERSE
      1. It shows Morro Castle, which guards Havana Harbor.
      2. Text reading “SPANISH CAMPAIGN” is inscribed on the upper half of the medal, and the numeral “1898” appears on the bottom. 
   2. REVERSE
      1. The medal issued to Navy personnel displays the the words “United States Navy” the Marine Corps version displays "United States Marine Corps".
      2. Both versions have an a wing spread eagle perched atop a ship's anchor with chain. 
      3. Below the anchor are the words "FOR SERVICE".
      4. Across the bottom appears a wreath formed by a branch of oak on the left and a branch of olive on the right with the stems joined at the bottom by a conventional knot.
   3. RIBBON
      1. The Type I drape and ribbon are three yellow and two red stripes.
      2. The Type II drape and ribbon are three yellow and two navy blue vertical stripes.
   4. DEVICE(s)
      No devices were authorized for multiple engagements or combat participation.
2. Information from
   BUPERS A 10-3 Decorations, Medals, Ribbons, and Badges of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, 1861-1948
   Naval History and Heritage Command
   The Call of Duty : Military Awards and Decorations of the United States of America by John E. Strandberg