US Spanish American War Veteran Medal, 1st Illinois Infantry, Named, Cuba Vet 1898

Original period manufacture. Silver medal and suspension bar, created by the veterans of the 1st Illinois Infantry who served in Cuba during the Spanish American War. While they did not see actual combat, they did participate in the Siege of Santiago, and later as garrison troops. During their time on the island the 1st Illinois suffered the loss of 84 of their number to illness. The planchet is in the form of the 5th Army Corps Badge, blue indicating the 3rd Division. Named on the reverse to J.J. Hughes Cuba 1898. He served in Company B. Small chip at the center of the badge as shown, small American flag ribbon. Should be an interesting research project.