The Spanish Campaign Navy Service medal was originally issued by the
United States government in 1908 to all members of the the U.S. Navy who
served at sea in Cuban or Puerto Rican waters between May 1, 1898 and
August 16, 1898. Later, in the 1920's, it was also given to members of
the U.S. Navy who served in the waters around Guam
and the Philippines. It is very similar to
the Spanish Campaign Marine Corps Service
medal and the and the Spanish
Campaign Army Service medal.
The front side (left, above) has the statement "SPANISH CAMPAIGN" around the top. At the bottom is the date "1898." Depicted in the center is a typical coastal spanish fortification, possibly intended to be Havana's Morro Castle, a symbol of the war. Below the fortification is a pile of cannonballs.
The reverse side (right, above) has the statement "UNITED STATES NAVY" around the top, and "FOR SERVICE" below the eagle. The center bears the image of an eagle alighting on a foul anchor. Below the words "FOR SERVICE" are two types of leaves. The leaves curving to the left are oak leaves, a symbol of strength. The leaves curving to the right are olive leaves, the symbol of peace.
Originally, the medal had a different color ribbon (see below). The
ribbon colors were, by accident, the colors of the Spanish flag. These
medals were initially issued, and were later to have been replaced with
medals bearing the new ribbon (see above). Still, the medal shown below
was issued between 1908 and 1913.
(As a service to our readers, clicking on title in red will take you to that book on Amazon.com)
Cohen, Stan. Images of Spanish American War, April-August,1998. (Missoula:Pictorial Histories Publishing Co., Inc., 1997) 357.
Hoiland, Tom (Stavanger, Norway) - Medal of Ingval H.Pedersen.