The Mexican Border Service Medal or Mexican Border Defense Medal was a U.S. service medal established by an Act of Congress on July 9, 1918. It was initially awarded for service on the border between May 9, 1916 and March 24, 1917. The U.S.-Mexico border was a potential location for a German-funded invasion by Mexico, which was exposed by British interception of the Zimmermann telegram, a communication that detailed Germany's proposal for Mexico to ally with Germany if the United States entered World War I.
Those who received the Mexican Service Medal were not eligible for the Mexican Border Service Medal. Congress created a similar award for members of the Texas National Guard who served on the border between December 8, 1917 to November 11, 1918, the Texas Cavalry Medal.
Description
As approved by the U.S. Congress:
The medal of bronze is 1 1/4 inches in diameter. On the obverse is a sheathed Roman sword hanging on a tablet on which is inscribed For service on the Mexican border. The tablet is surrounded by a wreath. The reverse is the same as that of the Spanish War Service Medal. The medal is suspended by a ring from a silk moire ribbon 1 3/8 inches in length and 1 3/8 inches in width composed of a green band (7/16 inch), yellow band (1/2 inch), and green band (7/16 inch).
See also
- Awards and decorations of the United States military