Creation Date

1899 – 1974

Description

Badge owned by Carl Torguson. He lied about his age to enter the military and served in the 15th Minnesota during the Spanish American War. This medal was issued to members of the "United Spanish War Veterans." Anyone who served in the armed forces during the Spanish American War or during the Philippine American War was eligible for membership.
At the top of the medal is the American Eagle with a laurel wreath and the shield of victory. The ribbon has 13 stripes and 13 stars. At the bottom of the ribbon is a cavalry saber, an infantry rifle, and a naval anchor all crossed, representing the various branches of the military. Dangling at the bottom of the medal is the Spanish American War cross, with the four arms reading "Porto Rico," "Cuba," "Philippine Islands," and "U.S.A." The Spanish American War began and ended in 1898. The Philippine American War (usually included in the Spanish American War) began in 1899 and continued into 1902, with some action as late as 1906. The reverse side of the medal has the word "United" in the center with the points of the compass marked out on the arms of the cross.