Texas Cavalry Medal

The Texas Cavalry Medal was a federal service medal, approved by the United States Congress and awarded to the members of the cavalry brigades raised by the State of Texas who were not called into federal for service in 1917 and 1918, rendering the men of those two units ineligible for the World War I Victory Medal. Qualifying dates of the Texas Cavalry Service Medal were from December 8, 1917 to November 11, 1918. Only 840 medals were awarded for this time period.

The Texas Cavalry Medal was created by Congress to commemorate federal service, and is the only medal specifically for state troops awarded by the federal government. For this reason, the legislation authorizing the Texas Cavalry Medal specifically authorizes its wear on active duty United States military uniforms. The Italian-American sculptor Anthony de Francisci designed the medal.

Appearance
The medal was designed by Anthony de Francisci based on design and imagery criteria specified by The Equipment Branch, Quartermaster General Department of the Army. The approved design is a bronze hexagonal medal 1+1/8 in in diameter. The obverse of the medal depicts the bluebonnet, the state flower of Texas. Inscribed around the edge are the words AWARDED • BY • CONGRESS • FOR • SERVICE; at the top of the medal and TEXAS • CAVALRY; at the bottom of the medal. The reverse of the medal bears the Coat of arms of Texas, a Lone Star encircled by a wreath, surrounded by the dates of service in 1918 when the cavalry became eligible for federal activation and the signing of the armistice to end World War I.