The Bronze medallion is 1 inches in diameter. It is oxidized, relieved and has a matte finish.
On the center is a castle with two small round towers at the corners. At the top around the outside edge of the medal is the inscription "WAR WITH SPAIN". At the bottom is the date "1898", to the left of the date is a branch of tobacco plant, and to the right, a stalk of sugar cane.
A spread eagle on a trophy consisting of a cannon, six rifles and four standards, an Indian shield, quiver of arrows and three spears, a Cuban machete and a Sulu kris. Below the trophy are the words "FOR SERVICE". The whole is surrounded by a circle composed of the words "UNITED STATES ARMY" in the upper half and thirteen stars in the lower half.