The commemorative medal is for Admiral Dewey in New York in September of 1899. A spring pin hanger reads “SOUVENIR” with red, white, and blue ribbon. On the ribbon in gold is “Reception / Admiral Dewey / Sept 28 29 1899 / New York”. Suspended from the ribbon is a medal with bust images surrounded by “MANILA BAY MAY 1.  SANTIAGO JULY 3, 1898.” The reverse side reads “YOU CAN COMMENCE FIRING AS SOON AS YOU ARE READY MAY 1. 1898. THERE IS GLORY ENOUGH FOR ALL JULY 8, 1898.”

The USS Olympia token was minted in 1958 to fund restoration of the Cruiser Olympia. They were advertised as "made from the actual propellers of Admiral Dewey's Flagship." The Cruiser Olympia Association had one of the Olympia's Bronze propellers melted and struck into commemorative medals which were sold to the public. The tokens were struck in two sizes, 75.5mm and 31mm. This is the 31mm token. This features the image of the ship with “YOU MAY FIRE WHEN YOU ARE READY, GRIDLEY / U.S.S. OLYMPIA” around the edge on the front and the ship's propeller above “MADE FROM PROPELLER OF / ADMIRAL DEWEY'S FLAGSHIP / WHICH SERVED IN THE / BATTLE OF MANILA BAY / MAY 1, 1898  F”.

Cruiser Olympia (C-6) is the oldest remaining steel ship afloat, built during a transformative time in American culture, science, and technology.  Rising to fame as Commodore (later Admiral) George Dewey’s flagship during the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898, the ship served in various capacities during her time in service, including as a training vessel and providing humanitarian relief in the Adriatic.  Her last act of service, before being decommissioned, was to bring home the American Unknown Soldier from World War I from Le Havre, France, to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  [JET][ph:L]

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