List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Spanish–American War

The Spanish-American War (, desastre del 98, Guerra Hispano-Cubana-Norteamericana or Guerra de Cuba ) was a military conflict between Spain and the United States. It began in April 1898.  Hostilities halted in August of that year. The Treaty of Paris was signed in December.

The war began after America demanded Spain peacefully end the Cuban fight for independence. The demand was rejected. Strong expansionist sentiment in the United States may have motivated the government to target Spain's remaining overseas territories. These territories included Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam and the Caroline Islands.

Riots in Havana by pro-Spanish "Voluntarios" gave the United States a reason to send in the warship . It was sent to indicate high American interest. Tension among the American people was raised because of the explosion of the . "Yellow journalism" added to it accusing Spain of doing a lot of bad things. This made the American public opinion show increased support of the conflict. The war ended after decisive naval victories for the United States in the Philippines and Cuba.

The Treaty of Paris ended the conflict 109 days after the outbreak of war. That gave the United States ownership of the former Spanish colonies of Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam.

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War. It is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Due to the nature of this medal it is commonly presented to the recipient after they are killed (posthumously).

Recipients

Image  Name  Service  Rank  Place of action  Date of action Notes75px|alt=Head of a man with close cropped hair and a bushy mustache wearing a sailor suit with a wide flat collar and a scarf tied around the neck. A shield-shaped frame is drawn around the man's portrait.Navyaboard the , Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a man with neatly combed hair and a handlebar mustache wearing a plain military jacket with the letters "U.S.V." on the upright collar.ArmySantiago, CubaLeft cover and, under fire, rescued a wounded comrade from drowning.Navyaboard the , Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.75px|alt=Head and torso of a young black man wearing a suit and tie with a watch chain hanging from a jacket button. He has a cap pushed high up on his forehead and tilted over his left ear.ArmyTayabacoa, CubaVoluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.Navyaboard the , Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.ArmyBattle of El Caney, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the , Battle of Cárdenas, CubaOn board the torpedo boat Winslow during the actions at Cardenas, Cuba, 11 May 1898.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.ArmyBattle of El Caney, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.ArmyBattle of El Caney, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaOn board the U.S.S.Marblehead during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the  from Cat Island to NassauOn board the U.S.S.Potomac during the passage of that vessel from Cat Island to Nassau, 14 November 1898.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaOn board the U.S.S.Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.75px|alt=Head of a white man with neatly combed hair and a bushy mustache wearing a double-breasted military jacket with two columns of large buttons down the chest.Navy, harbor of Santiago de CubaFor displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.ArmyLas Guasimas, CubaIn addition to performing gallantly the duties pertaining to his position, voluntarily and unaided carried several seriously wounded men from the firing line to a secure position in the rear, each instance being subjected to a very heavy fire and great exposure and danger.75px|alt=Head of a white man with mustache wearing a sailor suit with a wide flat collar open at the front.Navy, harbor of Santiago de CubaFor displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.Navyaboard the USS Winslow, Battle of Cárdenas, CubaOn board the U.S.Torpedo Boat Winslow during the action at Cardenas, Cuba, 11 May 1898.Navyaboard the  off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine IslandsOn board the U.S.S.Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, P.I., 21 May 1898.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Navyaboard U.S.S.Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaOn board the U.S.S. Marblehead, during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.75px|alt=Head of a white man with handlebar mustache wearing a sailor suit and a flat cap.Navy, harbor of Santiago de CubaFor displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.75px|alt=Head of a white man with mustache wearing a sailor suit with a scarf tied around the neck and a flat cap. Around the portrait is a shield-shaped frame.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine IslandsOn board the U.S.S. Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, 21 May 1898.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaOn board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Marine CorpsCuzco, CubaFor heroism and gallantry in action.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.75px|Joseph J. Franklin circa 1918Marine Corpsaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaOn board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Nashville near Cienfugos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.ArmyBattle of El Caney, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.ArmyBattle of El Caney, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.75px|alt=Head of a man with full beard wearing a dark military jacket over a white shirt.ArmyMouth of Manimani River, west of Bahia Honda, CubaAfter 2 men had been shot down by Spaniards while transmitting orders to the engine-room on the Wanderer, the ship having become disabled, this officer took the position held by them and personally transmitted the orders, remaining at his post until the ship was out of danger.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a white man with a wide mustache and carefully combed hair wearing a plain military jacket with a single bar on each side of the collar.Navy, harbor of Santiago de CubaIn connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the fortified harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 3 June 1898.Navyaboard the USS Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine IslandsOn board the U.S.S. Concord off Cavite, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, 21 May 1898.Navyaboard the , Manila, Philippine IslandsServing in the presence of the enemy, Itrich displayed heroism during the action.Navyaboard the USS Potomac from Cat Island to NassauOn board the U.S.S. Potomac during the passage of that vessel from Cat Island to Nassau, 14 November 1898.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaOn board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaOn board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.Navyaboard the USS Winslow, Battle of Cárdenas, CubaOn board the torpedo boat Winslow during the action at Cardenas, Cuba, 11 May 1898.Navyaboard the On board the U.S.S. Vixen on the night of 28 May 1898.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the  off Santiago de CubaOn board the U.S.S. Iowa off Santiago de Cuba, 20 July 1898.ArmySantiago de CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.75px|alt=Head of a white man with mustache wearing a suit and bow tie.Navy, harbor of Santiago de CubaFor displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.ArmySantiago de CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor setting an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.ArmyTayabacoa, CubaVoluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts had been frustrated.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.75px|alt=Head and torso of a young white man wearing a forage cap and a heavy double-breasted coat with two columns of buttons down the chest.Marine Corpsaboard the , Battle of Santiago de CubaFor displaying gallantry while under fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS VixenOn board the U.S.S. Vixen on the night of 28 May 1898. Following the explosion of the lower front manhole gasket of boiler A of that vessel, Mahoney displayed great coolness and self-possession in entering the fireroom.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Name changed to Patrick F.Ford, Jr.75px|alt=White man with mustache, hands on his hips, wearing a full sailor suit with lanyard around the neck, and single medal on the left breast, and a flat cap. Around the portrait is an oval-shaped frame with four stars.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness through this action.75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a young white man wearing a sailor suit with a star-shaped medal on the left breast and a flat cap with a ribbon tied on the side.Navyaboard the U.S.S.Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaOn board the U.S.S. Nashville, during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898.75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a young white man with thick hair wearing a flat cap and a sailor suit with three medals on the left breast.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.75px|alt=Head and torso of a seated white man with mustache and gray hair wearing a military jacket and white gloves, holding a peaked cap in one hand with the hilt of an ornate sword resting against his leg.ArmyNear Santiago, CubaDistinguished gallantry in encouraging those near him by his bravery and coolness after being shot through the head and entirely without sight.75px|alt=Head of a white man with handlebar mustache wearing a suit and bow tie and peaked cap.Navy, harbor of Santiago de CubaFor displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898.Navyaboard the , First Battle of Manzanillo, CubaFor displaying heroism and gallantry under fire.75px|alt=Head of a white man with neatly combed hair and handlebar mustache wearing a suit and tie.Navy, harbor of Santiago de CubaFor displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.75px|alt=Head and torso of a young black man in sailor suit and flat cap with a lanyard around his neck. Around the portrait is a circular frame with five stars.Navyaboard the USS Iowa off Santiago de CubaOn board the U.S.S. Iowa off Santiago de Cuba, 20 July 1898.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.75px|alt=Head of a white man with a very wide handlebar mustache and closely cropped hair wearing a sailor suit.Navy, harbor of Santiago de CubaFor displaying extraordinary heroism while under heavy fire from Spanish batteries.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Marine Corpsbattle of Cuzco, CubaQuick signaled the  on 3 different occasions while exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy.ArmySantiago, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.ArmyBattle of El Caney, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.ArmyBattle of El Caney, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.75px|alt=Profile of a white man, arms crossed, with drooping mustache and pince-nez glasses wearing a Hardee hat and a military jacket with the letters "U.S.V" on the upright collar.ArmyBattle of San Juan Hill, near Santiago de CubaFor leading a daring charge up San Juan Hill. Was awarded by President Bill Clinton on January 16, 2001. The only President to earn the Medal of Honor.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.ArmyBattle of El Caney, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.ArmyTayabacoa, CubaVoluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a man with a bushy drooping mustache wearing a flat cap and sailor suit. Around the portrait is an oval frame and a depiction of a steamship underway.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – On board the U.S.S. Marblehead at the approaches to Caimanera, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 26 and 27 July 1898. Displaying heroism, Triplett took part in the perilous work of sweeping for and disabling 27 contact mines during this period.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Name changed to Albert Wadas.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Nashville, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.ArmyTayabacoa, CubaVoluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a white man standing erect, wearing a peaked cap over his eyes and a double-breasted military jacket with thick braided cords on the shoulders, three medals on the left breast, and a star-shaped medal hanging from his neck.ArmySantiago, CubaVoluntarily left shelter and went, under fire, to the aid of a private of his company who was wounded.ArmyBattle of El Caney, CubaFor assisting in the rescue of the wounded while under heavy fire.Marine Corpsaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.Navyaboard the USS Marblehead, Battle of Cienfuegos, CubaFor displaying extraordinary bravery and coolness under fire.

Notes

References

Spanish-American War