History

The Tampico Cross (Cruz por Tampico) was authorized in Mexico by the National Congress on April 2, 1833. The Cross was conferred upon Mexican military personnel, under command of General Santa Anna, who laid siege a Spanish invading army which was trying to reconquer Mexico on September 11, 1829.

The Medal's quality composition denotes the rank of the recipient; I Class Gold Cross (31.1gr or more) was conferred upon Generals, II Class Gold Cross was awarded to Colonels, while III Class Gold Cross was awarded to lower classes, and the IV Class Silver Cross was awarded to enlisted men.

The Cross features an obverse inscription that can be translated to "He Won in Tampico, Run over the Spanish Proud," and a reverse inscription that translates to "The General Congress in 1833".