Specially Meritorious Service Cross, Inst. 1901. Bronze uniface, 31.5mm. Brilliant Uncirculated. Cross patté, anchor and wreath at center with U.S. NAVAL. CAMPAIGN. WEST. INDIES around. Arms of cross are inscribed SPECIALLY - MERITORIOUS - SERVICE - .1898. Deep blue ribbon, dot-bordered Bronze pinback header, no name or serial number. Authorized for officers and enlisted men of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps ''who rendered specially meritorious service, otherwise than in battle'' during the Spanish War. Only 93 were awarded. Lack of recipient's name, bright coin finish and ribbon color suggest a later striking or possible display example.
Ex F.C.C. Boyd Estate, 1972.
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