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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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  • Awards and Medals
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  • Artifact
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  • Spanish-American War 1898
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Medal commemorating the reception held for Admiral Dewey in Washington, DC, October 1899 


Commemorative Medal Admiral Dewey Washington DC Reception Obverse

Title: Medal, Admiral George Dewey Washington, DC Reception
Accession #: NHHC 1981-209-H
Circa: 1899
Size: 4.75 x 1.75
Medium: Metal, Fabric
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command

One commemorative medal for the reception of Admiral George Dewey in Washington D.C. following the Spanish-American War. The ribbon is cream-colored silk with an American flag crossed with a four star Admiral flag. The obverse of the bronze medal has a bust of Admiral Dewey with his signature embossed underneath. The reverse of the medal has an embossed image of Dewey’s flagship, the USS Olympia (C-6). There are two bronze bars attached to the ribbon: one at the top of the ribbon, the other at the bottom. The top pin bar has an embossed depiction of the Capitol building. The text on the reverse pin and clasp bar reads, "The bronze in this medal was captured by Admiral Dewey at Manila." The lower ribbon bar has the text “Washington City October 1899" with a wreath in the center. The reverse of the lower ribbon bar reads, "Manila May 1, 1898." 

Following the success of the American Navy against the Spanish at the Battle of Manila Bay, the commander of the American Asiatic Squadron, Admiral Dewey, was feted across the United States with parades and ceremonies held in his honor. The reception in Washington, DC in October 1899 included an illuminated civic parade on the night of Dewey’s arrival in DC, a military parade, the presentation of a sword, and a state dinner hosted by President McKinley in Dewey’s honor. This medal was commissioned by the Washington (DC) Admiral Dewey Reception Committee to commemorate the reception. The bronze in this medal was cast from a Schwartzkopff torpedo captured at Manila by Admiral Dewey. The metal was obtained through the Navy Department. The medals were available for purchase and were presented to select dignitaries, including Dewey himself.


Commemorative Medal Admiral Dewey Washington DC Reception Reverse

Published: Wed Apr 29 14:36:52 EDT 2020