- Time Period: Pre-WW1
- Institution: 1863
- Country: United States
The Davis Guard Medal is a military decoration bestowed by the State of Texas to the members of F Battery, 1st Texas Heavy Artillery Regiment, for the victory at the Second Battle of Sabine Pass. Some consider it to be the only medal issued by the Confederate States of America during the war.
The award was funded by a collection from Houston citizens. It was presented as a one-time award to exactly 50 men. In addition to the 49 members of the battery, the award was also presented to Jefferson Davis as the unit’s honorary commander. President Davis had his medal on him at the time of his capture in May 1865, but it was stolen by a Union soldier. A replacement was given him by three veterans in 1875.
The Davis Guard Medal Design
The medal consisted of a silver Mexican coin polished smooth with the letters “DG” on the front above a cross pattee. The reverse bore the inscription “Sabine Pass Sept. 23, 1864” in cursive script.
The medal hung from a green ribbon, in honor of the Irish origins of the unit’s members. The 50 recipients of the Davis Guard Medal were also listed on the Confederate Roll of Honor.
