U.S. ARMY SERVICE MEDAL, INDIAN WARS, 1907

HISTORY: The Indian Campaign Medal was established by the War Department General Orders No. 12 in 1907. This medal was issued to soldiers, and families of soldiers, who had served in the U.S. Army’s many battles waged against the indigenous people of the frontier lands of a new American continent. It was given to those who had died or were wounded in action against hostile Indians between 1865 and 1891. Originally, it was presented with a red ribbon attached.

There were 13 Indian wars, one of which was the U.S. Army versus the Apache Nation. Between 1849 and 1886, the U.S. Army established forts in the southwest territories to control Apache bands. In 1886, the U.S. Army sent 5,000 soldiers to quell Indian insurgencies and, on September 4, 1886, General Nelson Miles (1839‒1925) accepted the surrender of Geronimo (1829‒1909) at Skelton Canyon (now in modern Arizona).

REVERSE: Featured is a naked Indian chief, spear in his right hand, riding bareback on a stallion. Surrounding the coin are the words “INDIAN WARS” with a wreath anchored by a bison scull at the bottom.

OBVERSE: “UNITED STATES ARMY” and 13 stars array the rim of this medal. An outstretched eagle stands upon a cannon and powder keg with flags and bayonets splayed to each side. “FOR SERVICE” is centered beneath.