- Time Period: Pre-WW1
- Established: 12 December 1917
- Country: United States
The Mexican Service Medal is a United States military award recognizing service in Mexico from 1911 to 1919.
The Army version of the Mexican Service Medal was established on December 12, 1917, by General Orders from the United States War Department. The Navy version followed, established by Navy Department General Orders Number 365 on February 11, 1918, and later amended by General Orders No. 464 on April 27, 1919. This medal honors servicemen who participated in military actions against Mexican forces from April 12, 1911, to June 16, 1919.
To receive the Mexican Service Medal, servicemen had to engage in one of the specified military actions:
- 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
- Aftermath of Brite Ranch raid, San Bernardino Canyon: December 26, 1917
- La Grulla, Texas: January 8–9, 1918
- Aftermath of Neville Ranch raid, Pilares, Chihuahua: March 28, 1918
- Battle of Nogales, Arizona: November 1–26, 1915, or Ambos Nogales: August 27, 1918
- Battle of Ciudad Juárez: June 15–16, 1919
The Navy also awarded the medal to those who served on U.S. naval vessels patrolling Mexican waters during the designated periods or who were involved in the above actions.
The medal was awarded only once, with no service stars for multiple engagements. Soldiers cited for gallantry could receive the Citation Star on their Mexican Service Medal. No additional devices were authorized for the Navy version.
The Mexican Service Medal Design
The medal is bronze and includes engravings that signify service and participation in the specified military engagements. The distinct designs for the Army and Navy versions reflect the different branches’ traditions and service contexts.
The designs are:
- Army Version: Engraved with a yucca plant.
- Navy Version: Depicts the San Juan de Ulúa fortress in Veracruz harbor. Both versions bear the inscription “1911 – 1917.”
