Medal commemorating Commodore William Bainbridge (1774-1833) and the action between USS 'Constitution' and HMS 'Java', 1812. Obverse: Bust of Commodore William Bainbridge in uniform (right). Legend: 'GULIELMUS BAINBRIDGE PATRIA VICTISQUE LAUDATUS.' (William Bainbridge praised by his country and by the vanquished foe.) Reverse: Starboard broadside view of HMS 'Java', frigate completely dismasted (left), and port broadside view of USS 'Constitution' (right), wreckage in foreground. Legend: 'PUGNANDO.' (In fighting.) Exergue: 'INTER CONST. NAV. AMERI. ET JAV. NAV. ANGL. DIE XXIX DECEM. MDCCCXII.' (Between the American ship 'Constitution' and the English ship 'Java', 29 December 1812.) Fought off the coast of Brazil. Signed 'FURST.F.' in exergue and to the right below the truncation of the bust.
One of a series of 27 medals commemorating American successes during the War of 1812, struck by special resolution of Congress. They were awarded to naval commanders in gold and to their officers in silver. The bronze examples are restrikes.