Medal for Campaign in the West Indies and for Spanish War
MEDAL FOR CAMPAIGN IN THE WEST INDIES AND FOR SPANISH WAR
Issued to those of the Army, Navy and Marines who served on the high seas en route to or in immediate vicinity of Cuba, Porto Rico or Philippines between certain dates. In case if the army or navy service was not in the West Indies the inscription read "Spanish Campaign."
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"Which one is that, Dorlan?"
"It's one of them good-conduct medals the Top Sergeant was showin' of ye that first day ye come on this ship, and I'll git one yet! In three days more me present enlistment expires. I'm going to ship over right off, and I'll be makin' a bargain with ye right now!"
"What's the bargain?" asked Dick.
"Well, if I don't git one of them little bronzes at the end of my next enlistment, I'll be givin' all the rest o' me medals to ye, and ye can melt 'em up into copper pennies; but if I do git it, I'll string the hull lot of them across me chest at the first inspection what comes along."
And midst much laughter from the group surrounding them, Dorlan and Richard shook hands on the "bargain."
Ten days later the "galley yarns" came true, as they sometimes do, and the Denver steamed through the narrow entrance and into the wonderful, green bordered, blue waters of Guantanamo Bay, where she anchored for an indefinite stay.