Original Named Phase II Sampson Medal and West Indies Campaign Medal Group

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Original Named Phase II Sampson Medal and West Indies Campaign Medal Group Picture(s) and Description:

Very rare US Navy Sampson Medal and West Indies Campaign Medal pair awarded to Ordinary Seaman Lyman J. Laughton for his service aboard the auxiliary cruiser USS Dixie in Cuban waters during the Spanish-American War. The Sampson Medal is a Phase II issue awarded to Laughton on 25 June 1907. Medal is correctly engraved LYAMN J LAUGHTON OS on the rim. Brooch, pin, ribbon are all 100 percent original. The West Indies Campaign Medal is the first issue ribbon and West Indies planchet awarded to US Naval personnel who had actually served in West Indies waters, the Spanish Campaign Medal being awarded to USN veterans of the Pacific campaigns in the Philippines and Guam. The West Indies Campaign medal is rim numbered 3876 and is verified as having been awarded to Lyman J. Laughton on 27 October 1909. The ribbon and brooch are original, however the the ribbon bottom has separated; the original suspension ring is missing and was replaced apparently by the recipient, otherwise complete. Lyman J. Laughton was born on 6 December 1876 in New Brunswick New Jersey. He was an ordinary seaman in the Maryland Naval Militia which was enlisted into the US Navy for one year of service on 29 April 1898 at Norfolk Virginia where the Maryland sailors were assigned as crew for the auxiliary cruiser USS Dixie commissioned on 19 April. The USS Dixie departed Norfolk and arrived at Santiago de Cuba on 19 June. It was attached to the Eastern Squadron and cruised West Indies waters on blockade duty. On 27 and 28 July she participated in the capture of Ponce Puerto Rico, putting a landing party ashore to receive the surrender of Ponce and La Playa. She continued in Cuban waters until her return to Philadelphia on 22 September 1898. Ordinary Seaman Lyman Laughton was a member of the Dixie crew throughout her service in the West Indies. Laughton was honorably discharged form the US Naval Service on 28 September 1898. Laughton subsequently was employed as a civilian worker at the Washington DC Navy Yard Gun Shop. On 8 March 1907 based on his service aboard the USS Dixie during the Spanish-American War Laughton applied by letter for the Sampson Medal. The request was approved and he received his medal on 27 June 1907. This is all documented from his service record on file with the National Archives. Full color copies of all pertinent documents including his original medal request and the approval letter for his Sampson Medal acknowledging receipt are included as part of this auction. In 1909 Laughton submitted a copy of his discharge and an affidavit of service to the USN Bureau of Navigation to support his request for the West Indies Campaign Medal. The Bureau Medal Card confirms that Laughton received West Indies Medal # 3876 on 27 October 1909. A full color copy of the Laughton medal card confirming award of medal # 3876 is included with the research. The research documentation includes copies of the Laughton enlistment papers USN servcie record, correspondence pertaining to his service and awards; a Maryland Naval Miltia roster for the Spanish-American War; and a history of the USS Dixie. This is Laughton’s entire medal entitlement so this is a complete Sampson group. Individuals medals are rare enough but a documented Sampson and West Indies Campaign Medal group with a solid provenance are exceedingly rare. This is a group for the serious and advanced collector. If you wish desire additional pictures, please let me know and I will be happy to send some along. The medals are fully guaranteed original. Winning bidder pays $7.55 for USPS Priority Mail with delivery confirmation. Insurance optional. See shipping details for more information. Payment is through PayPal. If you are unable to pay through PayPal please contact me to arrange an alternative PRIOR to placing a bid. Please note that unless other arrangments have been agreed to between seller and buyer a failure to receive payment within 5 days of auction close will be accepted as a termination of the agreement to purchase.