U.S. Civil War Colored Troops Medal

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Obverse, US Civil War Medal
Description:

During the American Civil War, Gen. Benjamin F. Butler so appreciated the heroic actions of African American soldiers under his command at the 1864 battles of Fort Harrison and Fort Gilmer that he commissioned a special medal for them. Designed by Anthony C. Paquet and realized in silver by Tiffany, the U.S. Colored Troops medal had no official status. After General Butler was relieved of his command in 1865, the 300 U.S. Colored Troops who had received the medals were forbidden to wear them on their uniforms.

Commissioner: Butler, Benjamin FranklinMaker: Tiffany & Co.

Location: Currently not on view

Related Event: Civil WarBattle of Fort HarrisonBattle of Fort Gilmer

Subject:

See more items in: Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military, Military, Cultures & Communities, Coins, Currency and Medals

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: James Parton

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1985.0612.01Catalog Number: 1985.0612.01Accession Number: 1985.0612

Object Name: medal

Physical Description: cotton (overall material)siver (overall material)Measurements: overall: 53 cm x 3.8 cm; 20 7/8 in x 1 1/2 in

Metadata Usage: CC0

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-ff9c-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1060806

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