1st Nicaraguan Campaign Medal

BACK DEVICE(s) none

Description:

1. Authorized by President Woodrow Willson, 22 September 1913.
2. The Medal was for U.S. Navy personnel and U.S. Marines who had participated in amphibious actions in Nicaragua between 29 July and 14 November 1912.
3. The following naval commands, and all embarked U.S. Marines, were eligible for the First Nicaraguan Campaign Medal:
   1. USS Annapolis (gunboat)
   2. USS California (armored cruiser)
   3. USS Cleveland (protected cruiser)
   4. USS Colorado (armored cruiser)
   5. USS Denver (protected cruiser)
   6. USS Glacier (stores ship)
   7. USS Maryland (armored cruiser)
   8. USS Tacoma (protected cruiser)

Background:

1. The Medal
   1. OBVERSE
      1. Shows a tropical scene with Mount Momotombo in the center
      2. Arced across the top "NICARAGUAN CAMPAIGN"
      3. Centered at the bottom the date 1912.
      4. Left of date is a branch of oak.
      5. Right of date is a branch of laurel. 
   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
      The ribbon is 1-3/8” wide and laid out with 1/16" Old Glory Red, 9/32" Blue, 5/8' Old Glory Red, 9/32" Blue, 1/16" Old Glory Red.
   4. DEVICE(s)
      There were no devices or attachments authorized.
      
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
   United States War Medals by Bauman L. Beldex appearing in American Journal of Numismatics (1897-1924), 1915, Vol. 49 (1915), pp. 1-72