The turn of the century (1900 that is) was the heyday for US fraternal societies and every man wanted to be a member of something! From the large and politically strong Grand Army of the Republic to smaller less known groups such as the Order of the Caribou, they all held prestige. The Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba was established with membership open to US Army and Volunteer officers and enlisted men who served in the Battle of Santiago, Cuba during the Spanish American War. Their state purpose was to record and honor the history and memory of the campaign beginning June 14, 1898 which resulted in the surrender on July 17, 1898 of the Spanish army at the city of Santiago de Cuba.
Membership was open to those who served, their direct lineal descendant, and membership by inheritance as descendant of a soldier killed in the battle. There was an honorary membership as well. Notable Society members include Major Generals Sumner and Chaffe, and Colonel Theodore Roosevelt.
The membership medal was in bronze for enlisted men and gilted enamel for officers and is usually found script engraved on the reverse with rank, name and membership number. The examples shown here are from Captain Charles G. Starr, an 1878 graduate of West Point and Indian Wars veteran who earned two gallantry citations in Cuba. The second medal is named to Cavalry Sergeant Frank Roedel, veteran of both the Indian Wars and the Boxer Rebellion, and interestingly is the officer’s version as well. Lastly an enlisted bronze version from a 71^st New York veteran who served at San Juan Hill. In the portrait photo, Charles Starr is shown wearing his Society medal and more.

 

 

Cavalry Sergeant Frank Roedel, veteran of both the Indian Wars and the Boxer Rebellion.

 

A 71^st New York veteran who served at San Juan Hill.

 

Thank you for that excellent addition to this forum, Andrew! Those membership badges are top notch.

 

Kevin

You certainly are correct when you say that the 'military societies' held much prestige. So much so that a law was passed, Title 10 US Code 1123, to permit the wear of the member badges (medals) on the uniform. The Right to Wear Badges still exists today, though it is plagued by poorly written and obfuscating, even contradictory regulations. The most recent Department of Defense guidance, 1348.33 Vol. 3 from March 2915, reinforces these decorations as being considered personal decorations which take precedence BEFORE US DoD service medals.