The Specially Meritorious Service Medal was a military decoration of the United States Navy which was created by Joint Resolution of Congress No.

Awarded to any member of the U.S. Navy, or United States Marines, the Specially Meritorious Service Medal was presented for acts of gallantry or heroism, not involving armed combat with an enemy, while operating in the territorial waters of Cuba in the year 1898.

In the center of the medallion there is a fouled anchor canted to the right and surrounded by a wreath of oak bearing nine acorns (to the right) and laurel (to the left).

The anchor denotes naval service, and the wreath represents strength (oak) and victory (laurel).

The ribbon to the Specially Meritorious Service Medal, 1898, is dark red and stands for sacrifice.