The medal's obverse bears American eagle holding arrows and olive branch in its talons on shield over crossed cannon barrels and fasces; large round knob above cartouche with VALOR at top.

The reverse bears a cartouche with ARMY under ball at top and a scroll inscribed with AWARDED TO / JOHN / DOE / 1918.

It is unknown whether Manship created this design for a commission, a design competition, or independently from a sense of patriotic fervor. Manship certainly was a fierce patriot who did what he could to support the war effort.

The sample inscription on the reverse indicates that he created the design in 1918 but he could certainly have used the prior year's number in a later design.

The cast bronze measures approximately 76.8mm x 96.9mm and weighs 273.7g.