Mexican Service Medal (Navy Marine Corps)

BACK DEVICE(s) none

Description:

1. Authorized by Navy Department General Order No. 365 of 11 February 1918
2. This medal is issued to all officers and enlisted men of the Navy and Marine Corps who served on shore at Vera Cruz from 21 April 1914 to 23 April 1914, inclusive.
3. Also awarded to to all officers and enlisted men of the Navy and Marine Corps who served onboard any of the following-named vessels between the dates designated in this list
   Qualified Navy Ships for the Mexican Service Medal (opens in new window)

Background:

1. The Medal
   1. OBVERSE
      1. Prominent feature is the San Juan de Ulúa fortress in Veracruz harbor.
      2. Arced across the top the word "MEXICO".
      3. Across the bottom are the dates 1911 – 1917.
      4. In the border, on both sides,  between the top and bottom wording are three Yucca plant thistles.
   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 inches in width and consists of the following vertical stripes: 1/8 inch Emerald Green, 3/8 inch
      Golden Yellow, 3/8 inch Ultramarine Blue, 3/8 inch Golden Yellow, and 1/8 inch Emerald Green.
   4. DEVICE(s)
      This was a one-time decoration and there were no service stars authorized for those who had participated in multiple engagements. 
2. Information from
   DoD 1348.33-M, September 1996
   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