In AD 1905, according to the US War Department’s announcement, the “Philippine Campaign Medal” was awarded to officers and soldiers who participated in the suppression of the Filipino resistance movement between AD 1899 and AD 1913. The medal comes in two versions for the army and navy. This item is the army version, with a total issuance of 44,000 pieces.
The medal is circular in shape, with a ring suspension connecting to a ribbon. The ribbon has a dark blue background with narrow red stripes on the left and right sides and is worn in the style of a breast ribbon. In the centre of the medal is a palm tree, symbolising the tropics, with an oil lamp on the left side and scales on the right side. The outer ring is inscribed with the words “PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION,” representing the interpretation by the US government, and “1899” below, which is the year the Filipinos began their resistance.
On the reverse side of the medal is a spread-winged bald eagle standing on a cannon, flags, and weapons, with thirteen stars as decoration at the bottom. Below the eagle, the words “FOR SERVICE” are inscribed in English, and the outer ring is inscribed with “UNITED STATES ARMY.” The lower edge of the medal is engraved with the issue number “No. 18879,” indicating that the recipient was Corporal James F. Hibbard, who served in the 30th Infantry Regiment of the Army.In the earlier part of the year AD 1900, Corporal Hibbard was also involved in the actions of the United States military against the Boxer Rebellion.
The conflict between the United States and the Philippines traces back to the Spanish-American War of AD 1898. During this time, the United States allied with the Filipino resistance led by Emilio Aguinaldo to jointly oppose Spain, the former colonial ruler of the Philippines. In January AD 1899, Aguinaldo declared the establishment of the “First Philippine Republic.” However, in December of the preceding year, the United States acquired sovereignty over the Philippines through the signing of the Treaty of Paris with Spain.
On February 4, AD 1899, armed Filipino forces clashed with American troops in Manila, marking the beginning of the Philippine-American War. Under the command of Arthur MacArthur (the father of Douglas MacArthur), the US military deployed up to 70,000 troops in the Philippines at one point. The 30th Infantry Regiment, to which Corporal Hibbard belonged, was involved in the Battle of Mindoro in AD 1901.
In March AD 1901, organised resistance in the Philippines subsided with the surrender of President Aguinaldo, but sporadic resistance continued until AD 1913. In AD 1916, the United States granted the Philippines autonomy, and in AD 1934, the Philippine Commonwealth was established. The Philippines had to wait until the end of World War II, and its full independence was declared with the Manila Treaty in AD 1946.