- Time Period: Pre-WW1 (Spanish-American War)
- Institution: 1915
- Country: United States
The Army of Cuban Occupation Medal was established by the U.S. War Department on 28 June 1915 to recognize soldiers who served with the American occupation forces in Cuba after the conclusion of the Spanish–American War.
Although hostilities with Spain had ended in August 1898, the United States maintained a military government in Cuba until the island achieved formal independence on 20 May 1902. The medal was created to honour those who took part in this important occupation and reconstruction period rather than the combat operations of the war itself.
The medal was awarded to members of the United States Army who served in Cuba between 18 July 1898 and 20 May 1902. Eligible service included occupation and garrison duty under the Military Government of Cuba. Unlike the Army Spanish Campaign Medal, which recognized wartime operations, the Army of Cuban Occupation Medal commemorated the peacekeeping and administrative duties that followed the conflict.
Design
The medal is struck in bronze and measures approximately 35 mm (1⅜ inches) in diameter. Its obverse prominently displays the Coat of Arms of Cuba, surrounded by the inscription “ARMY OF OCCUPATION – MILITARY GOVERNMENT OF CUBA.” The dates 1898 and 1902 appear on either side of the Phrygian cap at the top of the Cuban coat of arms, marking the period of American military administration.
The reverse follows the standard style used on several early twentieth-century Army campaign medals. Around the upper edge appears the inscription “UNITED STATES ARMY,” while “FOR SERVICE” is placed beneath the central design. The center depicts a spread-winged American eagle perched upon a trophy of military arms, including cannon, rifles, flags, spears, a shield, and edged weapons, symbolizing the strength and traditions of the U.S. Army. Thirteen stars beneath the trophy represent the original thirteen states of the Union.
The ribbon is distinctive and colourful, consisting of alternating ultramarine blue and Old Glory red stripes separated by narrow golden-yellow stripes. The arrangement produces a balanced pattern of blue-red-yellow-blue-yellow-red-blue.
