History

The Army Spanish Campaign Medal was established by War Department General Order on January 12, 1905. The Bronze Medal is awarded to military personnel in recognition of service ashore or on the high seas en route to Cuba (between May 11 and July 17, 1898), Peurto Rico (between July 24 and August 13, 1898), or to the Philippine Islands (between June 30 and August 16, 1898). It is estimated that approximately 18,400 Medals were issued.

A citation star may be worn on the ribbon to denote gallantry in action.

After 1913, a blue and gold ribbon replaced the previous red and gold ribbon issued with the Medal following a diplomatic request from Spain that the United States discontinued the use of Spanish colours for campaign decorations.