United States. A Congressional Texas Cavalry Brigade Medal 1918

In bronze gilt, measuring 31.8 mm (w) x 34.7 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, original ribbon with brooch pinback, extremely fine. Accompanied by its 16 mm (w) x 3.3 mm (h) ribbon bar with button hole attachment, in its cardboard box of issue, violet felt medal bed, light wear on the exterior, box better than very fine.

Footnote: This medal honors two Texas National Guard Cavalry Brigades that were authorized by the War Department. The units started training in September 1918 but were never called into Federal service because the First World War had come to an end. Since they were not federalized, the units were not eligible for the United States Victory Medal for their wartime service. A Bill was introduced in Congress and despite some initial opposition from the War Department, the Bill was finally passed and funds were allocated to design and manufacture 6,000 medals. The medals was designed by the Office of the Quartermaster General and distribution commenced in late 1925 through the Texas Militia Bureau.