the letter of august 3, 1904, awarding this medal to waller "in recognition of your gallant conduct in assisting in rescuing crews from the burning spanish ships after the battle of santiago de cuba on july 3, 1898" is reproduced above. this is one of only 93 known awards of the decoration, given for "specially meritorious service, otherwise than in battle, during the spanish–american war". it was not awarded before the war with spain, nor since. because it recognizes heroism not in direct contact with the enemy, it may be considered a forerunner to the present-day navy and marine corps medal. the decoration is a bronze cross pattee, with an anchor in its center encircled by a wreath of oak and laurel and the inscription "u.s. naval campaign west indies". the arms of the cross are inscribed "specially meritorious service 1898", and it is suspended from a bright red ribbon.