History

The Yanacocha Medal (Medalla por Yanacocha) was established by General Santa Cruz, then president of Bolivia, on August 16, 1835. It was awarded to Bolivian and Peruvian troops who fought along with General Santa Cruz at the Battle of Yanacocha where General Agustín Gamarra was defeated.

The composition of the Medal denotes the rank of the recipient. The Gold Medal with Diamonds was conferred upon Generals, such as Santa Cruz, Felipe Braun and Jose Miguel de Velasco, among others. The Gold Medal was awarded to Colonels and Officers, while the Silver Medal was awarded to enlisted men.

Several designs of this Medal are known.

The Battle of Yanacocha was an internal conflict over weather Peru and Bolivia should be united, as they were under Spanish rule. General Santa Cruz fought many battles against Peruvian conservatives, led by General Agustín Gamarra, to established the Peru-Bolivian Confederation.