Unknown medal - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

2LBH · #1 29-01-17, 09:11 AM

Dear Gentlemen,

I'd need your help to identify the following medal please. Ribbon's colors are blue, white and red. Any clue?
Thank you very much.
Phil

Arthur R · #2 29-01-17, 01:15 PM

It looks American. It might be a state -- as distinct from federal -- award or a private medal from a society of some kind. The badge looks as though it was inspired by the Legion of Merit.

2LBH · #3 29-01-17, 02:09 PM

Thanks Arthur. I had thought about the LoM inspiration though the ribbon itself is similar to the one of the National Society of Patriotic Women of America. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again

irish · #4 29-01-17, 02:17 PM

One clue may be in the shield below the eagle. It may contain the seal of a specific state in the US.

2LBH · #5 07-02-17, 10:01 PM

Eventually, I've managed to identify it! It is the New York State Excelsior medal !

A very similar one was presented to Brigadier General Avery Delano Andrews on the occasion of his first retirement from active service by General Theodore Roosevelt, his commanding general and Governor of New York.

BG Andrews served as a Major & Staff Engineer, 1st Brigade, National Guard of New York from 1893-98, and as Commanding Officer, Squadron A, National Guard of New York 1898-99. He retired on 1 January 1900 and was reactivated to serve in WWI as a Colonel of Engineers in 1917, and Brigadier General serving in a number of positions until his second retirement in 1919.