Description
Certificate of Merit bronze medal 1905. An Unnumbered medal, excellent older quality with an old silk ribbon. Possibly made in the 1920’s after WW1.
A very rare medal The Certificate of Merit Medal was authorized by War Department Order on January 11, 1905, to represent an award of the Certificate of Merit. The Certificate of Merit Medal was available to be worn by all recipients of the Certificate of Merit.
The Certificate of Merit was originally established by Congress on March 3, 1847, as an award for gallantry in action or meritorious service. Initially, the Certificate of Merit rewarded privates for acts of gallantry during the Mexican War between 1846 and 1848. The Certificate of Merit was not awarded again until 1877, when the award was reinstated and awarded retroactively back until June 22, 1874. In 1891, eligibility for the award was expanded to include enlisted men and awards were made in recognition of distinguished and valuable service provided to the state, such as in the preservation of human life or the state. The Certificate of Merit was superseded by the Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Service Cross in 1918.
