Cuba Armed forces Merit Medal 1933

Circular bronze medal with loop for suspension; the face with a trophy of arms consisting of a crossed cannon and rifle imposed on a naval anchor and a cutlass, a castle and a standard, an early biplane above, inscribed ‘CUBA’ below; the reverse dated ‘4 SEPT. 1933’ within a wreath of oak and laurel, a radiant five-pointed star above; on original suspension bar with a rectangular plaque inscribed ‘Libertad’ (Liberty), a five-pointed star to either side, supporting a rayed rising sun with a Phrygian bonnet imposed, an outstretched wing to either side. On 4 September 1933 the dictatorship of General Gerardo Machado y Morales (1871-1939) was toppled in what was termed ‘the Sergeants’ Revolt’ led by Sergeant (later General and President) Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar (1901-1973) supported by a popular uprising and agents of the U.S.A. Batista was famously overthrown by Fidel Castro in 1959. The medal was awarded to the armed forces after the coup in 1933. Condition I.