Name/Title
USS Texas (1892) [Sampson Medal]Description
The front of the West Indies Naval Campaign Medal, 1898 (Sampson Medal) was designed by Charles E. Barber, depicting a bust of Admiral Sampson. Suspending the original ribbon of this medal is a brooch pin marked "USS Texas". The medal is stamped along the lower rim of the medal,: "JAMES E. JOHNSON, YEO. 1st. C.", this being one of only two medals officially issued named to a recipient. The reverse was designed by George T. Morgan, depicting a Navy officer, Sailor, and Marine standing upon a block identifying the action for which the medal was awarded. This medal is marked "July 3rd" on the reverse, for the Battle of Santiago on July 3, 1898.Context
The act of March 3, 1901, provides: "that the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized to cause to be struck bronze medals commemorative of the naval and other engagements in the waters of the West Indies and on the shores of Cuba during the War with Spain, and to distribute the same to the officers and men of the Navy and Marine Corps who participate in any of said engagements deemed by him of sufficient importance to deserve commemoration."
Yeoman First Class James E. Johnson was one of the 392 officers and men aboard the USS Texas (1892) during the Battle of Santiago on July 3, 1898.