This commemorative medal was commissioned and distributed by Theodore Roosevelt when the regiment mustered out of service at Camp Wikoff, Long Island on September 15, 1898. In his history of the Rough Riders, Colonel Roosevelt wrote about “the medal I gave my men.” Brigaded with the 1st and 10th US Cavalry, the Rough Riders were in service only 133 days, but left quite a history; they sustained more casualties (26 killed, 104 wounded) than any other unit in Cuba and earned fame for their charge up San Juan Hill.
The medal is rarely found and this is the only one I've owned that is attributed. Just over 1200 men received the token at muster out. This example is period engraved on the reverse to
FREDERIC MACMASTERS
TROOP K
MacMaster (also found as McMasters) served from 5/1/98 to 9/30/09 in Cuba with Company K having enlisted from San Antonio, TX. His records verify service in the engagements at Guasimai, San Juan Hill, and Santiago.
