History

The Naval Decoration for Iquique (Medalla por el Combate Naval de Iquique) was instituted by the Chilean government in 1879 to reward the survivors of the sunk ship "Esmeralda" which was attacked by the Peruvian ironclad "Huáscar" on May 21, 1879, during the War of the Pacific (1879-1883).

Although this Decoration was established in 1879, it was not awarded until 1884.

The Decoration was authorized in Gold and Silver; however, it is not clear if the composition denoted the rank of the recipient.