Cased Sampson Medal with USS Montgomery Bar

Allied Forces > United States > Awards & Medals >

United States, Spanish–American War – Cased Sampson Medal (West Indies Campaign Medal) awarded to Chief Machinist aboard the fourth USS Montgomery. Instituted March 3, 1901, the Sampson Medal was awarded to commemorate naval engagements in the West Indies and on the shores of Cuba. It is constructed out of a die struck bronze base. The obverse depicts a bust of Admiral Sampson. The reverse depicts a Navy officer, Sailor, and Marine man standing on a block identifying the action for which the medal was awarded. The top features a soldered-on loop and ring which holds 3 inches of red and blue ribbon. Suspended from the ribbon is a brooch pin with the “USS Montgomery” ships name. The rim of the medal is named “Lee Grossenbaker CI. Mach.” (Chief Machinist). It measures 1 ½ inches in diameter. This award comes housed in its original issue case. The closure clasp does not work as it should. A neat piece.