The Spanish Campaign Navy Service medal was issued by the United States government to all members of the the U.S. Navy who served at sea in the theater of operations or in Cuba, Philippines, Guam or Puerto Rico, between May 1, 1898, and August 16, 1898. It is very similar to the Spanish Campaign Marine Corps Service medal.
The front side (left, above) has the statement "SPANISH CAMPAIGN" around the top. At the bottom is the date "1898." Depicted in the center is a typical coastal spanish fortification, possibly intended to be Havana's Morro Castle, a symbol of the war. Below the fortification is a pile of cannonballs.
The reverse side (right, above) has the statement "UNITED STATES NAVY" around the top, and "FOR SERVICE" below the eagle. The center bears the image of an eagle alighting on a foul anchor. Below the words "FOR SERVICE" are two types of leaves. The leaves curving to the left are oak leaves, a symbol of strength. The leaves curving to the right are olive leaves, the symbol of peace.
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Cohen, Stan. Images of Spanish American War, April-August,1998. (Missoula:Pictorial Histories Publishing Co., Inc., 1997) 357.
