A retrospective award created decades after the action commemorated, the medal recognized Army service from 14 August through 10 December 1898 in Puerto Rico.

The Army of Puerto Rican Occupation Medal was commemorative by nature although was approved for wear on active military uniforms.

[1] With the last date of recognition being 13 August, there were some troops who received no medal for their service in Puerto Rico during the immediate period after the end of the Spanish–American War.

[2] On 4 February 1919 the order establishing the Army of Cuban Occupation Medal was modified to add regulations and criteria for awarding a service badge for time served in Puerto Rico between 14 August – 10 December 1898.

[4] The medal recognized those service members who had performed military occupation duty in Puerto Rico after the close of the Spanish–American War.

The reverse depicts a spread eagle on a trophy consisting of a cannon, six rifles, four standards, an Indian shield, quiver of arrows with three spears, a Cuban machete, and Sulu kris.