Society of the Army of Santiago medal
to veteran wounded at San Juan Hill
Enlisted membership medal in bronze period Society script engraved to
Corp. John H. Miller  435
Medal is excellent, ribbon is worn without broach.
Research on Corporal Miller shows that he served with the 71^st New York and was wounded in action in the assault on San Juan Hill in the Spanish American War.  The battle was noted for the involvement of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Rider cavalry however the 71^st was heavily engaged and suffered many casualties.  More history follows the images.
$500.00
(Price reduced, not something I normally do. I'm amazed this has not sold!)


The Battle for San Juan Hill
(NYSED website)
On July 1, 1898, the bloodiest battle of the war began when the Americans attacked the Spanish garrison on San Juan Hill. Chaos erupted as troops moved along narrow mountain roads under intense enemy fire. The battle became a disorganized series of charges by individual regiments rather than closely coordinated assaults. However, Company F of the 71st Volunteer Infantry, and other small units, stormed the hill. After repelling a massive enemy counterattack that evening, the 71st took positions and began to lay siege to Santiago. The Spanish forces finally surrendered on July 14.
When the 71st returned to New York, it could muster only 350 of its 1,000 men. The unit had lost 166 men, 80 in battle. Those not killed were on sick leave or scattered in Army hospitals around the country.

Bloody Ford by Private Charles Johnson Post, Company F, 71st New York Volunteer Infantry, shows the regiment advancing toward San Juan Hill. Courtesy of the Army Art Collection, U.S. Army Center of Military History.

Monument to the 71st New York at San Juan Hill