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West Indies Naval Campaign Medal, 1898
(Sampson Medal)
The act of 3 March 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."
The commemorative medal was issued to members of the Navy and Marine
Corps who took part in West Indies naval operations from April 27 to August
14, 1898.
[Historical note: The front was designed by Charles E. Barber
and shows a bust of Admiral William Sampson. The back was designed by George
T. Morgan. At the top of the ribbon is a brooch pin with the name of the
recipient's ship. Additional matching engagement bars were authorized and
mounted on the ribbon. The medal was issued for 47 engagements or skirmishes
and some were awarded with six or seven engagement bars. The recipient's
name is engraved on the lower rim of the medal, this being one of only two
medals officially issued named to a recipient.]
Source: 1948, 1953 U.S. Navy Awards Manual
14 June 1998