This medal, often thought to be a reunion medal, was struck by Theodore Roosevelt for members of the First U. S. Volunteer Cavalry ("Rough Riders") on the unit's return to the U.S. after serving in Cuba. Roosevelt notes the medal in his book, The Rough Riders referring to it as "the medal I gave to my men." It is a two piece bronze medal with a T pin top bar titled "1ST U.S. VOL. CAV." The 5th Corps badge and letters "RR" appear in the center of the planchet, which notes the battles and campaigns of the unit. The back of this particular medal has an inscription added by the medal's owner. It reads "Sergt Clay Platt / Chief Trumpeter / Roosevelt's Rough Riders.
Photos of medal, courtesy of Larry Marple.