Spanish American War Medals!

My friend, Bill Conger, and I were talking about the Spanish American War of 1898 because my next novel, Mark of a Man, is set in the same year. He casually mentioned his grandfather, Edwin Holter, had served in that war AND Bill had his medals! The first medal pictured below can be seen on the cover of Mark of a Man in the last photo of this blog. What a treat to even touch such treasures, let alone photograph them. Thank you, Bill! 

United Spanish War Veteran's medal

At the top are a sword, rifle, cannon and anchor which represent the different branches of service. There are 13 stars and stripes on the ribbon.  USA, Philippine Islands, Cuba and Porto Rico are along the edges of the cross. (Puerto Rico was spelled Porto in 1898.)    On the back in the center is the word UNITED and initials of each direction are on the edges of the cross.                Spanish Campaign Army Service medal A sheathed bayonet is on the front and it says "For Service in the Spanish War."  This was given to military who served at least 90 days but never saw battlefield action.

The back has the Great Seal of the United States with a horizonal bar for engraving if desired.

Military Order of the Serpent medal

Founded in 1904, the Military Order of the Serpent was an honor society for

Spanish War veterans.

Cover of Mark of a Man
with actual Spanish American War medal

Thank you to http://www.spanamwar.com/medals.htm and http://www.ssawv.org/NationalSon_Vol_3_No_3.pdf where I found out all about the medals.