The medal could be presented to the veteran, or if deceased, to his nearest relative. If the medal was claimed, a signed statement acknowleging receipt of the medal by the applicant is usually attached to the application form. A few unclaimed medals remain in the series. The medals are bronze with the name of the veteran inscribed on the back and suspended by a red, white, and blue ribbon, as required by the legislation. Specifically, there is a bar pin at top with an Indian head and the dates 1850 and 1872.
Correspondence is also alphabetical with the exception of a miscellaneous file.
Some correspondence is mixed with the forms, much is filed after the applications. Medals appear at the end. Arranged with each page numerically stamped by the USHS Military Records Section. Microfilmed in 1980. Archivally processed by A.C. Cone, 1989.