Name/Title
U.S. Naval West Indies Campaign MedalEntry/Object ID
1999.013.004Description
Medal and presentation case U.S. Naval West Indies Campaign Medal. A: brass medal with relief design of Commander in Chief William T. Sampson, marked "US Naval Campaign - West Indies 1898." On reverse is bas relief of 3 sailors in combat, marked "GUANTANAMO JUNE 11 - 12 -13.", bottom rim of the medal is stamped "CHARLES H. SMITH, SGT.", blue and red silk grosgrain ribbon, brass brooch (metal bar at top of ribbon) has a rope-like stamped edge, 1898. 3.25"h x 1.5"w x .25"d. B: 0.75"h x 2.25"w x 3.5"d B: Presentation case; dark brown leather with internal brass clasp and dark purple velvet lining. C: Bag. The medal was kept in a small, originally purple, cotton drawstring bag that also accompanied the gift. The bag is machine-sewn and the interior is flannel. B and C stored in K/4; Box #52.Acquisition
Accession
1999.013Source or Donor
Hollenbaugh, FlorenceAcquisition Method
GiftGeneral Notes
Note
B and C stored in Box #52. The outbreak of the Spanish-American war led to the formation of a special U.S. Marine Corps unit, the 1st Battalion. Known as Huntington's Battalion, the unit was formed as a landing force to secure a coaling station for Navy ships at Guantanamo, Cuba. Sgt. Charles H. Smith of Smallwood, MD was one of 5 Marines killed in action during the successful operation. This medal commemorated the victory and was presented posthumously to Sgt. Smith's family. B and C stored in Box #52, K/4.