[1] Additionally, recipients included those who performed duty with the Mexican Border Patrol between January 1, 1916 and April 6, 1917.

[1] The Mexican Border Service Medal recognized military service members who were assigned to the U.S.-Mexico border when the United States was engaged in the Pancho Villa Expedition, a military operation conducted against the paramilitary forces of Francisco "Pancho" Villa during the Mexican Revolution.

[2] The U.S.-Mexico border was a potential location for a German-funded invasion by Mexico, which was exposed by British interception of the Zimmerman Telegram, a communication that detailed Germany's proposal for Mexico to ally with Germany if the United States entered World War I.

[1] The first recipient was Major General Charles M. Clement of Pennsylvania, in recognition of his status as the longest-tenured National Guard officer eligible for the award at the time it was authorized.

On the obverse is a sheathed Roman sword hanging on a tablet on which is inscribed For service on the Mexican border.