Description The Mexican Service Medal is an award of the United States military which was established by General Orders of the United States War Department on December 12, 1917. The Mexican Service Medal recognizThe Mexican Service Medal is an award of the United States military which was established by General Orders of the United States War Department on December 12, 1917. The Mexican Service Medal recognizes those service members who performed military service against Mexican forces between the dates of April 12, 1911 and June 16, 1919.
To be awarded the Mexican Service Medal, a service member was required to perform military duty during the time period of eligibility and in one of the following military engagements.
Veracruz Expedition: April 21 to November 23, 1914
Punitive Expedition into Mexico: March 14, 1916 to February 7, 1917
Buena Vista, Mexico: December 1, 1917
San Bernardino Canyon, Mexico: December 26, 1917
La Grulla, Texas: January 8 – January 9, 1918
Pilares, Chihuahua: March 28, 1918
Nogales, Arizona: November 1–26, 1915, or August 27, 1918
El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua: June 15 – June 16, 1919
The United States Navy issued the Mexican Service Medal to members of the Navy and Marines who participated in any of the above actions, as well as to service members who served aboard U.S. naval vessels patrolling Mexican waters between April 21 and November 26, 1914, or between March 14, 1916, and February 7, 1917.
The Mexican Service Medal was also awarded to any service member who was wounded or killed while participating in action any against hostile Mexican forces between April 12, 1911 and February 7, 1917.
Although a single decoration, both the Army and Navy issued two different versions of the Mexican Service Medal. The Army Mexican Service Medal displayed an engraving of a yucca plant, while the Navy version depicts the San Juan de Ulúa fortress in Veracruz harbor. Both medals displayed the annotation "1911 - 1917" on the bottom of the medal.
The Mexican Service Medal was a one time decoration and there were no service stars authorized for those who had participated in multiple engagements. For those Army members who had been cited for gallantry in combat, the Citation Star was authorized as a device to the Mexican Service Medal. There were no devices authorized for the Navy's version of the decoration.
A similar decoration, known as the Mexican Border Service Medal also existed for those who had performed support duty to Mexican combat expeditions from within the United States.... More
People You Remember
General Pershing
Memories
In June, 1914, he went with General Pershing to El Paso, TX, during the Mexican crisis.
Description The United States of America declared war on the German Empire on April 6, 1917. The U.S. was an independent power and did not officially join the Allies. It closely cooperated with them militarily buThe United States of America declared war on the German Empire on April 6, 1917. The U.S. was an independent power and did not officially join the Allies. It closely cooperated with them militarily but acted alone in diplomacy. The U.S. made its major contributions in terms of supplies, raw material and money, starting in 1917. American soldiers under General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), arrived in large numbers on the Western Front in the summer of 1918. They played a major role until victory was achieved on November 11, 1918. Before entering the war, the U.S had remained neutral, though it had been an important supplier to Great Britain and the other Allied powers. During the war, the U.S mobilized over 4 million military personnel and suffered 110,000 deaths, including 43,000 due to the influenza pandemic. The war saw a dramatic expansion of the United States government in an effort to harness the war effort and a significant increase in the size of the U.S. military. After a slow start in mobilising the economy and labour force, by spring 1918 the nation was poised to play a role in the conflict. Under the leadership of President Woodrow Wilson, the war represented the climax of the Progressive Era as it sought to bring reform and democracy to the world,[citation needed] although there was substantial public opposition to United States entry into the war.
Although the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, it did not initially declare war on the other Central Powers, a state of affairs that Woodrow Wilson described as an "embarrassing obstacle" in his State of the Union speech.[26] Congress declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire on December 17, 1917, but never made declarations of war against the other Central Powers, Bulgaria, the Ottoman Empire or the various Co-belligerents allied with the central powers, thus the United States remained uninvolved in the military campaigns in central, eastern and southern Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
The United States as late as 1917 maintained only a small army, smaller than thirteen of the nations and empires already active in the war. After the passage of the Selective Service Act in 1917, it drafted 2.8 million men into military service. By the summer of 1918 about a million U.S. soldiers had arrived in France, about half of whom eventually saw front-line service; by the Armistice of November 11 approximately 10,000 fresh soldiers were arriving in France daily. In 1917 Congress gave U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans when they were drafted to participate in World War I, as part of the Jones Act. In the end Germany miscalculated the United States' influence on the outcome of the conflict, believing it would be many more months before U.S. troops would arrive and overestimating the effectiveness of U-boats in slowing the American buildup.
The United States Navy sent a battleship group to Scapa Flow to join with the British Grand Fleet, destroyers to Queenstown, Ireland and submarines to help guard convoys. Several regiments of Marines were also dispatched to France. The British and French wanted U.S. units used to reinforce their troops already on the battle lines and not to waste scarce shipping on bringing over supplies. The U.S. rejected the first proposition and accepted the second. General John J. Pershing, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) commander, refused to break up U.S. units to serve as mere reinforcements for British Empire and French units. As an exception, he did allow African-American combat regiments to fight in French divisions. The Harlem Hellfighters fought as part of the French 16th Division, earning a unit Croix de Guerre for their actions at Château-Thierry, Belleau Wood, and Séchault.
Impact of US forces on the war
On the battlefields of France in spring 1918, the war-weary Allied armies enthusiastically welcomed the fresh American troops. They arrived at the rate of 10,000 a day, at a time when the Germans were unable to replace their losses. After British Empire, French and Portuguese forces had defeated and turned back the powerful final German offensive (Spring Offensive of March to July, 1918), the Americans played a role in the Allied final offensive (Hundred Days Offensive of August to November). However, many American commanders used the same flawed tactics which the British, French, Germans and others had abandoned early in the war, and so many American offensives were not particularly effective. Pershing continued to commit troops to these full- frontal attacks, resulting in high casualties against experienced veteran German and Austrian-Hungarian units. Nevertheless, the infusion of new and fresh U.S. troops greatly strengthened the Allies' strategic position and boosted morale. The Allies achieved victory over Germany on November 11, 1918 after German morale had collapsed both at home and on the battlefield.... More
Memories In June, 1917, he was sent from Ft. Bliss for service in France, with the first American soldiers ofIn June, 1917, he was sent from Ft. Bliss for service in France, with the first American soldiers of the A. E. F. "I have hear, "his proud mother said, "that he was the first American to step on foreign soil." He was a member of Company F, 16th Infantry, 1st Division. Before daylight on November 3, 1917, Corporal Gresham was killed by the Germasn in a raid near Artois, France.... More
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments In June, 1917, he was sent from Ft. Bliss for service in France, with the first American soldiers of the A. E. F. "I have hear, "his proud mother said, "that he was the first American to step on fore... In June, 1917, he was sent from Ft. Bliss for service in France, with the first American soldiers of the A. E. F. "I have hear, "his proud mother said, "that he was the first American to step on foreign soil." He was a member of Company F, 16th Infantry, 1st Division. Before daylight on November 3, 1917, Corporal Gresham was killed by the Germasn in a raid near Artois, France. MoreHide
Criteria The Kentucky Commendation Ribbon may be awarded to members of the Kentucky National Guard for the following: Heroism above and beyond the normal call of duty that does not merit the award of a higher ... The Kentucky Commendation Ribbon may be awarded to members of the Kentucky National Guard for the following: Heroism above and beyond the normal call of duty that does not merit the award of a higher medal. Outstanding performance of duty. Outstanding achievement. MoreHide
Criteria The Mexican Border Service Medal commemorates military service on the Mexican border between May 9, 1916, and March 24, 1917, or with the Mexican Border Patrol between January 1, 1916, and April 6, 19... The Mexican Border Service Medal commemorates military service on the Mexican border between May 9, 1916, and March 24, 1917, or with the Mexican Border Patrol between January 1, 1916, and April 6, 1917. Like the Spanish War Service Medal, this award was primarily intended to reward service in the National Guard (service members eligible for the Mexican Service Medal were not eligible for the Mexican Border Service Medal). MoreHide
Comments
In June, 1914, he went with General Pershing to El Paso, TX, during the Mexican crisis.
Criteria The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American... The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia between November 12, 1918, and August 5, 1919; or for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia between November 23, 1918, and April 1, 1920. MoreHide
Comments In June, 1917, he was sent from Ft. Bliss for service in France, with the first American soldiers of the A. E. F. "I have hear, "his proud mother said, "that he was the first American to step on fore... In June, 1917, he was sent from Ft. Bliss for service in France, with the first American soldiers of the A. E. F. "I have hear, "his proud mother said, "that he was the first American to step on foreign soil." He was a member of Company F, 16th Infantry, 1st Division. Before daylight on November 3, 1917, Corporal Gresham was killed by the Germasn in a raid near Artois, France. MoreHide
Criteria The Kentucky Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Kentucky National Guard who have completed five years of honorable service in the KYNG. The years of service need not have been performed conse... The Kentucky Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Kentucky National Guard who have completed five years of honorable service in the KYNG. The years of service need not have been performed consecutively; however, it must have been in an active status in any KY service component of the Armed Forces of the United States, exclusive of service in an inactive status. Oak Leaf Clusters will be authorized to denote succeeding years of service. Members formerly awarded the Thirty Year Ribbon are authorized to continue wearing the ribbon. MoreHide
Criteria Members of the KYNG who have honorably completed 10 days or more of consecutive active duty service outside the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and US possessions and territories in a title 32 or... Members of the KYNG who have honorably completed 10 days or more of consecutive active duty service outside the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and US possessions and territories in a title 32 or title 10 Active Duty status. The day of departure counts; the day of return does not. This award is not applicable when service is recognized by Federal service award. Numerals will be used to denote second and subsequent awards of the KY Overseas Service Ribbon. MoreHide
Criteria The Medal for Valor may be awarded to a member of the Kentucky National Guard who has distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call... The Medal for Valor may be awarded to a member of the Kentucky National Guard who has distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while in the service of the State and/or United States. Additionally, it must have involved personal risk of life or a performance of more than ordinarily hazardous service, the omission of which would not justly subject the person to censure for shortcoming or failure in the performance of duty. No award of the Medal for Valor shall be made except upon clear and uncontested proof of at least one eyewitness or person having personal knowledge of the act or deed. MoreHide
Criteria The Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces, DOD Civilian, DMA Civilian, and Allied Forces who has distinguished himself / herself through exceptionally ... The Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces, DOD Civilian, DMA Civilian, and Allied Forces who has distinguished himself / herself through exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of an outstanding service or achievement. Criteria for members of the Armed Forces of the United States are as follows: The performance must have been such as to merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner. Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty, or assignment, and experience of an individual is not an adequate basis for this award. For services not related to actual war, the term \"key individuals\" applies to a narrower range of positions than in time of war and requires evidence of significant achievement. In peacetime, service should be in the nature of a special requirement or of an extremely difficult duty performed in an unprecedented and clearly exceptional manner. However, justification of the award may accrue by virtue of exceptionally meritorious service in a succession of important positions. Criteria for DOD Civilians, DMA Civilians, and Allied Forces: Exceptional performance of outstanding service or achievement resulting in direct and positive impact to a Kentucky Army National Guard unit or the organization as a whole. The service or achievement will be clearly identifiable, measurable, and beyond the normal level for the position of the individual. MoreHide
Criteria The Kentucky Merit Ribbon may be awarded to Kentucky National Guardsmen for the following: For heroism above and beyond the normal call of duty that does not merit the award of a higher medal. For exc... The Kentucky Merit Ribbon may be awarded to Kentucky National Guardsmen for the following: For heroism above and beyond the normal call of duty that does not merit the award of a higher medal. For exceptional and meritorious performance of assigned duties. For exceptional achievement. MoreHide
Criteria
Presented to the outstanding soldier and airmen who are selected for that fiscal year. The ribbon takes precedence immediately after the KY Commendation Ribbon.
Criteria
Presented to the outstanding soldier and airmen who are selected for that fiscal year. The ribbon takes precedence immediately after the KY Commendation Ribbon.
Criteria The Mexican Service Medal was awarded for military service in any of the following expeditions or engagements:Vera Cruz Expedition: April 24 to November 26, 1914, Punitive Expedition into Mexico: Marc... The Mexican Service Medal was awarded for military service in any of the following expeditions or engagements:Vera Cruz Expedition: April 24 to November 26, 1914, Punitive Expedition into Mexico: March 14, 1916, to February 7, 1917, Buena Vista, Mexico: December 1, 1917, San Bernardino Canon, Mexico: December 26, 1917, LeGrulla, Texas: January 8-9, 1918, Pilares, Mexico: March 28, 1918, Nogales, Arizona: November 1-5, 1915, or on August 27, 1918, El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico: June 15-16, 1919 or Any action against hostile Mexican forces in which U.S. troops were killed or wounded between April 12, 1911, and February 7, 1917. MoreHide
Private Thomas F. Enright, Pittsburgh, PA
Private Merle D. Hay, Glidden,IA
John Pershing, General
In June, 1914, he went with General Pershing to El Paso, TX, during the Mexican crisis