Name/Title
MedalEntry/Object ID
2020.008.0022Description
This medal was issued to members of the "United Spanish War Veterans." Anyone who served in the armed forces during the Spanish American War or during the Philippine American War was eligible for membership (this organization and the U.S. government both treated both of these separate wars as the same conflict). Of course, over 325,000 served in the Spanish American War, with the U.S. forces in the Philippine-American War peaked at over 70,000 men. As a result, the medal is not tremendously rare. To our knowledge, the serial numbers are not traceable on these medals. (This medal belonged to Benician Robert Mann who fought in the Philippines. There is no serial number on this medal.)
The medal is approximately 4" long and 1 1/2" wide. At the top, it is the American eagle within a laurel wreath and the shield of victory. The ribbon has 13 stripes and 13 stars. At the bottom of the ribbon is a cavalry saber, an infantry rifle, and a naval anchor all crossed, representing the various branches of the military.
Dangling at the bottom of the medal is the Spanish American War cross, with the four arms reading "Porto Rico," "Cuba," "Philippines," with "USA" at the bottom. "Porto Rico" was the current spelling of Puerto Rico at the turn of the century. The dates on the cross read 1898-1902 with the words "Spanish War Veteran." The Spanish American War began and ended in 1898. The Philippine American War began in 1899 and continued into 1902, though some actions still occurred as late as 1906.
This medal has blue edging around the American flag. It also has an officer's bar across the flag.
Original United Spanish War Veteran Member Medal for Past Post Commander, Camp Level. Not numbered on the combined forces insignia. The flag ribbon is edged in blue, signifying a Camp Level rank. The Commander strap or “jewel” is at the middle of the ribbon, signifying a past rank. The wreath around the cross also signifies a past held rank. Measures approximately 1 1/2 inches across at the eagle. Measures approximately 4 1/4 inches from top to bottom. Anodized finish. Die struck, nice detail, old “c” style pin catch.Collection
Benicia Historical Museum Collection
