The history behind these buttons is as follows: In April, 1914, nine American sailors ashore for supplies were arrested in Tampico. They were released with an apology but the U.S. Admiral Henry Mayo demanded the raising of the American flag on Mexican soil and a 21-gun salute. A few days later, President Wilson ordered a U.S. Naval force to Tampico Bay. Word then came to the White House that a German ship was unloading munitions at Vera Cruz and President Wilson ordered the taking of the city, resulting in 17 U.S. deaths. Each of these buttons is 7/8". The first and third once had U.S. fabric flags below. First is a jugate with the names "Geo. Poinsett" and "Chas. A. Smith" printed faintly below. These are real photos without dot pattern. There is a 3/16" stain on the bottom side edge but barely showing from the front. The next button is also a real photo reading "Salute The Flag/Geo. Poinsett." The celluloid has light all over spotting. The third button is also a real photo. This reads "Salute The Flag/Chas. A. Smith." This has some light age marks. All three retain their full gloss. Poinsett was killed while hoisting the American flag on the landing pier. We do not know exactly how Smith was killed, but both men were from Philadelphia. In addition to the 17 casualties there were 61 wounded Americans. The deceased were returned to the United States on the battleship Montana. There was a funeral procession from the New York Battery to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Marine barracks. The New York City mayor and New York state governor were in attendance and President Wilson was there to eulogize those who "Do Their Duty To Serve Mankind." That event took place May 12, 1914 and that is likely when these buttons were briefly available. A rare trio.