History

The San Cala Medal (Medalla de San Cala) was established in Argentina by General Juan Manuel Rosas on February 28, 1841. It was awarded to federalist army who defeated unitarian General Lavalle and his troops on January 8, 1841 at San Cala. In September of the same year, General Lavalle and his last troops were assassinated.

The composition of the Medal denotes the rank of the recipient; the Gold Medal was awarded to Chiefs, the Silver Medal was awarded to Officers, and the Bronze and Brass Medal to enlisted men.

The Medal features an obverse inscription that can be translated to "¡Long Live to Argentine Confederation! Brave Defender in the Field of San Cala, for the Argentine Confederation, Freedom and American Independence,” and a reverse inscription that can be translated to “¡Death for the Savage Unitarians! January 8, 1841 The Government of the Argentinian Confederation to Patriotism and Courage.”