United daughters of the Confederacy

The Southern Cross of Honor award, which later became the Cross of Military Service, originated on Oct. 13, 1862 as an act of the Confederate Congress to recognize the courage and good conduct of officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of the Confederate army. However, due to wartime shortages, the medals were not made, but the recipients' names were recorded in an Honor Roll for future reference. The cross's design was created by Mrs. Alexander S. Erwin in July 1898. It featured a cross with a Confederate battle flag on the face surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the inscription "The Southern Cross of Honor." The motto of the C.S.A., "Deo Vindice" 1861-1865, and the inscription "From the U.D.C. to the U.C.V." appear on the reverse side.

From the description of Shenandoah Valley records for the Southern Cross of Honor and the Cross of Military Service, 1905-1941. (James Madison University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 20274207

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