Butler Medal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Butler Medal |
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Butler Medal, obverse and reverse
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| Type | Medal |
| Status | No longer in use / Civil War only |
The Butler Medal, also called the Colored Troops Medal, was a special military award. It was given out in 1865 to soldiers in the United States Army. This medal was created by Major General Benjamin Butler. He wanted to honor brave actions by African American soldiers. These soldiers fought bravely at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm and New Market Heights.
Even though fourteen African American soldiers earned the highest award, the Medal of Honor, in that battle, General Butler wanted to do more. He felt his African American troops deserved extra recognition. So, he paid for the Butler Medals himself, using his own money.
The Butler Medal: A Special Award
In May 1865, and later that year, the Butler Medal was given to almost 200 African American Union soldiers. At first, it was called the Colored Troops Medal. But after the Civil War ended, its name was changed to the Butler Medal.
What Did the Medal Look Like?
The Butler Medal was made of solid silver. It hung from a ribbon with red, white, and blue stripes. Soldiers wore this ribbon around their necks. A small wreath was attached to the ribbon. It had the words "Army of the James" written on it.
The front of the medal showed African American troops moving forward in battle. Below them was a message in Latin. It read, Ferro iis libertas perveniet. This means: "Freedom Will be Theirs by the Sword."
The back of the medal had a curved message in capital letters. It said:
DISTINGUISHED FOR COURAGE
General Butler's Thoughts on the Medal
After the war, General Butler spoke about why he created the medal. He said he received many reports about the brave actions of individual African American soldiers. He wanted to do something special for them.
He explained that he ordered a medal to be made. It was similar in size, weight, and quality to medals given by Queen Victoria. She gave her medals to brave soldiers in the Crimean War. General Butler said he gave these medals out himself. If a soldier was in a hospital, another commander would present it. He was proud that so many soldiers deserved this award. Nearly 200 medals were given out for that single battle.
