Original World War Two era US United Daughters of the Confederacy Southern Cross of Honor with Oakleaf Cluster.
Numbered 1606 on reverse, Maker-marked out of New York, and marked Bronze as well.
After the War Between the States, there was no official recognition of the service of Confederate Veterans, as the U.S. War Department did not, until much later, recognize these men as Veterans. Furthermore, metal was scarce, so none were awarded by the Confederate Government during the War. Around the turn of the 20th century, the United Daughters of the Confederacy® (UDC) created a medal appropriate for the defenders in grey; one which would show their appreciation to their Confederate ancestors and also, honor their heritage. The medal would be called the “Southern Cross of Honor”. Thousands of these medals were awarded. Winnie Davis, a daughter of Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, an original “Daughter of the Confederacy”, traveled around the South bestowing this medal on aging Confederate Veterans. The Southern Cross of Honor was crafted in the shape of a Maltese Cross. On the face was a wreath of laurel surrounding the words “Deo Vindice 1861-1865” that translates from Latin as "God is our Vindicator" and the inscription “Southern Cross of Honor.” The reverse held a Confederate Battle Flag surrounded by a laurel wreath and the words “United Daughters of the Confederacy to the UCV.” The UCV was the United Confederate Veterans and only a Confederate veteran could wear the Southern Cross of Honor that was only bestowed through the UDC. Money could not buy the Cross. They were bought by loyal, honorable service to the South and were given in recognition of this devotion. The UDC kept a record of each man who received this precious award. These records are on file in the UDC Business Office in Richmond, Virginia.
As time passed, and Southerners were involved in more military conflicts, the UDC developed Military Service awards, Crosses and Medals. Only a direct or collateral descendant of a Confederate who served honorably, and who was a veteran who has or is serving honorably in defense of America (both during peace and war) are eligible for these awards. Approved by the Pentagon, the Cross and Medal (for service during wartime) may be worn on service uniforms. These bestowals began with the Spanish-American War and continue through today. Medals for wars or conflicts prior to WWI are no longer given. These medals are the most prized awards conferred by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The UDC continues to present medals and certificates to men and women, who are both lineal and collateral descendants of Confederate veterans. Lineal Crosses are four in number and are the outgrowth of the Cross of Honor.
The World War I Cross of Military Service, World War II Cross of Military Service, Korean War Service Cross, and Vietnam Conflict Service Cross are presented to men and women, both living and deceased, who served a minimum of 90 days active-duty service. Each is awarded with a numbered certificate.
Timeframes and locations for eligibility:
World War I, 5 Apr 1917 - 11 Nov 1918 (stateside or foreign service)
World War II, 8 Dec 1941 - 31 Dec 1946 (stateside or foreign service)
Korean War, 27 Jun 1950 - 1 Nov 1955, (in Korea, or on land/airspace/waters)
Vietnam Conflict, 6 Jul 1964 - 28 Mar 1973 (in Vietnam, or on land/airspace/waters)
A recipient of any of the UDC Crosses of Military Service must have served and received an honorable discharge from/or currently be serving in one of the following: US Air Force * US Coast Guard * US Merchant Marine * US Army * US Marine Corps * US Navy * National Guard
