Dewey was awarded a medal named after himself

One of the interesting facts about George Dewey is that he was awarded a medal named after himself. To be specific, Dewey was one of only four Americans in history (the others being General John J. Pershing, Admiral Richard E. Byrd, and Admiral William T. Sampson) who were permitted to wear a medal that bore their own image.

In recognition of Dewey's victory in Manila Bay, the Battle of Manila Bay Medal, often known as the Dewey Medal, was created. Each American officer, sailor, and Marine who took part in the action received it. The medals were created by Lincoln Memorial sculptor Daniel Chester French and made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each medal had the name, rank, and ship of the recipient engraved on it. George Dewey wore his medal backward out of modesty because his own image was on the obverse.

The Dewey Medal was a commemorative medal even though it was acknowledged as a reward for military service but only honored one combat in a single campaign. It was a one-time award; no campaign stars or devices were permitted on the medal. It includes a round medallion with Admiral George Dewey's image suspended from a blue and yellow ribbon.