waller was one of only twenty living marine officers whose gallantry in action during the civil war, spanish–american war, philippine campaign and the boxer rebellion had been recognized by a brevet commission. waller's medal recognized his promotion to the brevet rank of lieutenant colonel, "for distinguished conduct and public service in the presence of the enemy near tientsin, china", on 13 july 1900. he had retired prior to the creation of the medal, but went to washington to receive it.