Dewey Medal

ESTABLISHING LEGISLATION

The Dewey Medal was established by Act of Congress (Public Resolution Number 38) June 3, 1898.

EVENT COMMEMORATED

The Dewey Medal commemorates the Battle of Manila Bay and was awarded to all Navy and Marine Corps personnel who were aboard the Baltimore, Boston, Concord, McCulloch, Nanshan, Olympia, Petrel, Raleigh, or the Zafiro on May 1, 1898.

ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

The Dewey Medal takes precedence after the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal and before the Sampson Medal.

DEVICES

No devices were authorized for this medal.

DESIGNER

The Dewey Medal was designed by Daniel Chester French (1850-1931).

FIRST RECIPIENT

The first Dewey Medal was presented to Admiral George Dewey. Admiral Dewey had his medal fitted with a unique suspender and wore it with the reverse to the front, presumably to avoid displaying his own likeness.

DESCRIPTION AND SYMBOLISM

Obverse

In the center of a bronze medallion one and three quarters inches in diameter, the bust of Admiral Dewey in profile facing to the right. Behind him (and to either side of the bust), the words THE GIFT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE ASIATIC SQUADRON UNDER THE COMMAND OF COMMODORE GEORGE DEWEY