China Campaign Medal (Army)

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Established by General Order 5 dated January 12, 1905.
2. The Medal was awarded for military service ashore in China with the Peking Relief Expedition between June 20, 1900 and May 27, 1901.

Background:

1. The Medal
   1. OBVERSE
      1. The medal is 1 1/4 inch in diameter with an oxidized, relieved finish.
      2. In the center is the Imperial Chinese five-toed dragon.
      3. Above the dragon is the inscription CHINA RELIEF EXPEDITION around the upper border.
      4. The dates 1900 - 1901 are at the bottom.
   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 and quiver of arrows, a Cuban machete, and a Sulu kris.
      2. Below the trophy are the words FOR SERVICE. 
      3. Around the border at the top are the words UNITED STATES ARMY and around the bottom are thirteen stars.
   3. RIBBON
      The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches in width and is composed of the following vertical stripes: 1/16 inch Ultramarine Blue, 1 1/4 inch Golden Yellow, and 1/16 inch Ultramarine Blue.
   4. DEVICE(s)
      For those service members who were cited for gallantry in action, the Citation Star is authorized as a device to the China Campaign Medal.
   5. Symbolism
      The dragon, the Imperial emblem when China was an empire, is symbolic of that country. The color yellow was restricted for use only by the Manchu rulers of China during the Ts'ing dynasty (1644-1911). The color blue is emblematic of the east and of the dragon. The eagle standing on the group of trophies signifies the United States Army.
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
   Ribbon, China Relief Expedition MIL-DTL-11589/22D 15 September 1995
   Ribbon, China Relief Expedition MIL-DTL-11589 22G/14 May 2021