Philippine Congressional Medal
U.S. Army medal for Philippine–American War service.
The United States Congress created the Philippine Congressional Medal on July 9, 1906, as a U.S. Army service award. It honored soldiers who enlisted specifically to fight in the Philippine–American War.
Quick Facts
- Presenter
- Department of War
- Awarded for
- Enlisting for the Philippine-American War
Facts from the source article.
Criteria
Four primary criteria governed award of the Philippine Congressional Medal: enlistment between 21 April and 26 October 1898; service beyond 11 April 1899; service in the Philippines after 6 July 1899; and receipt of an honorable discharge, or death prior to being discharged. The medal was different from the Philippine Campaign Medal in that the Philippine Campaign Medal recognized general service in the Philippines while the Philippine Congressional Medal was intended for special services rendered. The Philippine Congressional Medal was considered an authorized military decoration, but soon became regarded as a commemorative medal since it recognized a single event and also was not eligible for presentation to the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
Appearance
The Philippine Congressional Medal, a bronze disc 1 and 1/4 inches across, was created by the U.S. Congress on July 9, 1906, to honor Army soldiers who enlisted specifically for the Philippine-American War. To qualify, a soldier had to have enlisted between April 21 and October 26, 1898, served past April 11, 1899, served in the Philippines after July 6, 1899, and received an honorable discharge or died before discharge. Unlike the Philippine Campaign Medal, which recognized general service, this medal was for special services. Though an authorized decoration, it became seen as commemorative because it marked a single event and was not given to Navy or Marine Corps personnel. The obverse shows a color guard with a flag bearer and two riflemen marching left, encircled by the words PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION, with the date 1899 below. The reverse reads FOR PATRIOTISM FORTITUDE AND LOYALTY inside a wreath of pine and palm branches tied with a bow. The ribbon is ultramarine blue with red and white edge stripes, the outer white stripes 1/16 inch wide and set 1/16 inch from the edge, and inner stripes of old glory red and white each 1/8 inch wide.
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