Mexican Border Service Medal

This Mexican Border Service Medal was awarded to Gen. Nathan Twining (Oct. 11, 1897-March 29, 1982), who served as a corporal with Company H of the Third Oregon Infantry (National Guard) on the U.S.-Mexico border from June through September 1916. In 1919 he attended the United States Military Academy and went on to active duty, retiring from the U.S. Air Force Sept. 30, 1960. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Mexican Border Service Medal

Note: This item is currently in storage.

This Mexican Border Service Medal was awarded to Gen. Nathan Twining (Oct. 11, 1897-March 29, 1982), who served as a corporal with Company H of the Third Oregon Infantry (National Guard) on the U.S.-Mexico border from June through September 1916. In 1919 he attended the United States Military Academy and went on to active duty, retiring from the U.S. Air Force Sept. 30, 1960.

The Mexican Border Service Medal recognizes those military service members who were assigned to the U.S.-Mexico border Jan. 1, 1916-April 6, 1917. This was a period of time when the U.S.-Mexico border was thought to be a potential location for a German-funded invasion by Mexico. Border service went into effect when this possible threat was exposed with the British interception of the Zimmerman Telegram, which discussed Germany's proposal that Mexico join in an alliance with Germany if the U.S. were to enter the war (World War I) against Germany.

Donated by Richard G. Twining.

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