History

The Army Spanish War Service Medal was established by Act of Congress on July 9, 1918. The Bronze Medal was initially awarded to members of the National Guard who served on active federal duty for a minimum of 90 days between April 20, 1898, and April 11, 1899. War volunteers and members of the United States Army who provided homeland security and other services during the Spanish-American War, but who did not qualify for the award of the Spanish Campaign Medal, were also eligible for the award of the Medal. In the 1920's, the award was extended to include any person on active federal duty with the army during the same period that was not eligible for the Spanish Campaign Medal.

The Medal was only awarded on a one-time basis and is similar in design to the Mexican Border Service Medal (see USA171).