Cardenas Medal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cardenas Medal of Honor |
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| Type | Medal in Gold, Silver, and Bronze |
| Eligibility | Crew of the USRC Hudson |
| Awarded for | The gallantry displayed by Frank H. Newcomb, his officers and the men, for their intrepid and heroic gallantry in the action at Cardenas, Cuba |
| Statistics | |
| Established | May 3, 1900 |
| 1930 Order of Wear | |
| Next (higher) | Good Conduct Medal |
| Equivalent | Dewey Medal |
| Next (lower) | Sampson Medal |
 Service ribbon of the medal |
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The Cardenas Medal was a special award given to brave sailors. It was approved by the United States Congress on May 3, 1900. This medal honored the crew of the ship called the USRC Hudson. They showed great courage during a battle in Cuba. This battle happened during the Spanish–American War.
The law that created this medal explained why it was given. It recognized the amazing bravery of First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb. He was the commander of the USRC Hudson. His officers and crew were also honored. They acted with great courage during a battle in Cardenas, Cuba, on May 11, 1898.
During this battle, the Hudson rescued another ship. This ship was the United States naval torpedo boat Winslow. The Winslow was in trouble. It was disabled, its captain was hurt, and half its crew was lost. The Hudson commander, Frank H. Newcomb, kept his ship in the middle of the intense fighting. He was in danger of hitting shallow water. But he managed to get a rope to the Winslow. Then, he towed the Winslow away from the enemy's guns.
To remember this brave act, Congress decided to give medals. First Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb received a gold medal. Each of his officers received a silver medal. Every member of his crew received a bronze medal.
What the Medal Looks Like
One gold medal was made for Newcomb. Four silver medals were made for the officers. Seventeen bronze medals were made for the men of the Hudson. A designer named Charles E. Barber created the medal.
Front of the Medal
The front, or obverse, of the medal shows a figure named Victory. She is a goddess from old stories. She wears a winged cap. In her right hand, she holds a sword. In her left hand, she holds an olive branch. In the background, you can see the Hudson connecting to the Winslow. At the bottom, it says CARDENAS MAY 11, 1898. This is the date of the brave rescue.
Back of the Medal
The back, or reverse, of the medal has a message. It says: JOINT RESOLUTIONS OF CONGRESS APPROVED MAY 3, 1900. IN RECOGNITION OF THE GALLANTRY OF THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE HUDSON WHO IN THE FACE OF GALLING FIRE TOWED THE WINSLOW OUT OF RANGE OF THE ENEMY'S GUNS. This explains the law and the bravery.
To the right of the words, there is a female figure. She is holding a chisel and a hammer. To the left, there is a palm leaf and a laurel branch. At the bottom, there is a space where the names of the people who received the medal were carved.
The medal was first made as a display piece. It was meant to sit on a table. But a smaller, wearable medal was also made. Both types of medals were created by the U.S. Mint in 1902. The Cardenas Medal of Honor was still listed in rules about wearing medals as late as 1930.
Other Similar Awards
- Congressional Gold Medal
- Four Chaplains' Medal
- Specially Meritorious Service Medal
