The bronze medal is 1 1/4 inches in diameter with an oxidized and relieved finish.

Obverse: In the center of the medal, a military formation composed of a color bearer holding the United States flag accompanied by two soldiers with rifles on their shoulders, all three facing the viewer's left. Around the border on the sides are the words PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION. In the exergue, the date 1899.

Reverse: Within a wreath composed of pine on the left and palm on the right and tied at its base with a bow is the inscription FOR PATRIOTISM FORTITUDE AND LOYALTY on five lines.

Ribbon:

The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and is composed of the following vertical stripes: 1/16th inch Ultramarine Blue, 1/16th inch White, 1/8th inch Old Glory Red, 1/8 inch White, 5/8 inch Ultramarine Blue, 1/8 inch White, 1/8 inch Old Glory Red, 1/16th inch White and 1/16th Ultramarine Blue.

Criteria:

Awarded for qualifying service between April 21, 1898 and July 4, 1902, the Philippine Congressional Medal commemorates certain services rendered during the Philippine Insurrection. It was awarded to individuals who enlisted under the call of the President to serve during the Spanish-American War (April 21, 1898 to Oct 26, 1898); remained on active duty beyond the period of their enlistment to help suppress the Philippine Insurrection; and serve ashore in the Philippine Islands between Feb 4, 1899 and July 4, 1902.

Components:

    a. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/118.

    b. Medal: MIL-DTL-3943/196.

Background:

    a. The Philippine Congressional Medal was established by Act of Congress (Public Law 360, 59th Congress) on June 29, 1906 and implemented by War Department General Order 124 dated July 9, 1906.

    b. The medal was established by Congress to be given to soldiers "who followed the flag" in the Philippine Islands. Accordingly, the design included a color guard bearing the American flag. The wreath on the reverse alludes to the Philippines (palm) and to goals of autonomy and self-determination (pine). The colors of the ribbon - red, white, and blue - represents the colors of the flag from both countries.

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