Philippine Campaign Medal (Army)

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Authorized by War Department General Order 5, January 12, 1905
2. The medal was created to denote service of U.S. military men in the Philippine-American War between the years of 1899 and 1913.
3. The Philippine Campaign Medal is a separate award from the Philippine Congressional Medal.
4. The medal was awarded to any Army servicemen who had served in campaigns ashore, on the Philippine Islands, from February 4, 1899 to a date which was then yet to be determined.
   1. Any action in the Philippines between February 4, 1899 and July 4, 1902.
   2. Service in the Department of Mindanao between February 4, 1899 and December 31, 1904.
   3. Actions against the Pulajanes on Leyte Island between July 20, 1906 and June 30, 1907.
   4. Military actions on Samar between August 2, 1904, and June 30, 1907.
   5. Military actions against Pala on Jolo between April and May, 1905.
   6. Military actions against Datu Ali on Mindanao in October 1905.
   7. Military actions against hostile Moros on Mount Bud-Dajo, Jolo in March 1906.
   8. Military actions against hostile Moros on Mount Bagsac, Jolo, between January and July 1913.
   9. Military actions against hostile Moros on Mindanao or Jolo between 1910 and 1913.
   10. Any action in which a U.S. servicemen was killed or wounded or was involved in a hostile action between February 4, 1899, and December 31, 1913.
5. In January 1914, the Philippine Campaign Medal was declared closed with the following the approved operations for issuance.

Background:

1. The Medal
   1. OBVERSE
      1. A bronze medal, 1 1/4 inch in diameter, with an oxidized, relieved finish.
      2. In the center a palm tree bearing coconuts
      3. To the left of the coconut tree is a lamp
      4. To the right of the coconut tree is a scale.
      5. Around the border at the top is the inscription PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION and
      6. The date 1899 is at the base.
   2. REVERSE
      1. On the reverse is a trophy composed of an eagle perched on a cannon supported by crossed flags, rifles, an Indian shield, spear, quiver of arrows, a Cuban machete, and a Sulu Kris.
      2. Below the trophy are the words "FOR SERVICE".
      3. Around the border are the words "UNITED STATES ARMY" in the upper half and thirteen stars in the lower half.
   3. RIBBON
      The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following vertical stripes: 1/16 inch Ultramarine Blue, 5/16 inch Old Glory Red, 5/8 inch Ultramarine Blue, 5/16 inch Old Glory Red, and 1/16 inch Ultramarine Blue.
   4. DEVICE(s)
      The Philippine Campaign Medal was issued only once even in instances of personnel who participated in multiple eligible campaigns. Those who performed notable acts of courage or heroism were recognized with the Silver Citation Star.
   5. Symbolism
      The palm tree represents the tropical character of the Philippines. The lamp denotes enlightenment. The scales allude to justice and the bringing of enlightenment and justice to the Philippines. The date indicates the year the Philippine Insurrection began.
2. Information from
   The Army Institute of Heraldry
   The Call of Duty : Military Awards and Decorations of the United States of America by John E. Strandberg
   Medal, Philippine Campaign, Army MIL-DTL-3943 195 30 June 1997
   Medal, Philippine Campaign, Army MIL-DTL-3943 195D 29 April 2021
   Ribbon, Philippine Campaign Medal MIL-DTL-11589 117E 15 September 1995
   Ribbon, Philippine Campaign Medal MIL-DTL-11589 117H 20 October 2021