Maj. Gen. Joseph A. Mower - what medal is he wearing?

[bunkerhillburning]

Hi everyone.

 

Am posting for a friend who is trying to determine what medal or award General Mower is wearing for a project she is working on.

[Steve Rogers]

Phillips shows the same photo on p.165 of Civil War Corps Badges and identifies the badge as the first version of the 17th Corps badge, which was a five-pointed star. This was changed to an arrow in March, 1865, because the 20th Corps was using the old star of the 12th Corps.

There are a few complications in that the first pattern 17th corps badge is usually shown with two lobed protrusions coming out at the shoulders of the star and a sort of upside down fleur-de-lis extending from the bottom angle. At least some of this pattern also have a "17" on a central round panel on the star. I don't know if the photo of Mower is clear enough to show those details, or if they were necessarily present on every first pattern badge. The one he is wearing is pretty obviously a high-grade jeweler made version.

The second complication is that Mower commanded the 20th Corps at the end of the war, so, if the photo is late and the star is plain, one could argue he is wearing a 20th corps badge.

[bunkerhillburning]

wow - had no idea.

 

A friend is attempting to restore and color a photo of General Mower so she is trying to determine the color of the medal. With some luck she can track down the volume you referenced. Thank you so much for your help!