The medal is bronze with oxidized, relieved finish.
A Yucca plant in full bloom with mountains in the background. Above the plant appear the words MEXICAN SERVICE around the border and below the plant are the dates 1911-1917.
On the reverse is a spread eagle on a trophy consisting of a cannon, six rifles and four standards, an Indian shield, quiver of arrows and three spears, a Cuban machete and a Sulu Kris, all above the words FOR SERVICE. Around the border at the top are the words UNITED STATES ARMY and thirteen stars around the bottom.
The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches in width and consists of the following vertical stripes: 1/8 inch Emerald Green, 3/8 inch Golden Yellow, 3/8 inch Ultramarine Blue, 3/8 inch Golden Yellow, and 1/8 inch Emerald Green.