History

The Army Civil War Campaign Medal was authorized on January 11, 1905, on the 40th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, but was not officially approved by the War Department until January 21, 1907. The Bronze Medal was awarded in recognition of active Federal service between April 15, 1861, and April 9, 1865, or between April 15, 1861, and August 20, 1866, for service in Texas. In 1913, the award was made available for private purchase for personnel no longer in service. It is estimated that only approximately 9500 Union soldiers were alive to receive the Medal, out of 2 million soldiers who fought in the Civil War.

In 1918, a silver citation star was authorized for wear on the ribbon to denote gallantry in action, however, only 6 silver stars were ever awarded.

The Medal was initially awarded with a red, white, and blue ribbon, but after 1913, it was issued with a blue and grey ribbon. Stamped and unstamped versions of the Medal are known to exist.