Military Order of the Carabao

[KevinBeyer]

 

"The Military Order of the Carabao was organized at Manila, P. I., in November, 1900, for the purpose of fostering a high standard of military and social duty and to perpetuate the memories and associations of military service in the Philippines during the early days of American occupation. 
The origin of the Order grew out of an idea conceived at a dinner at the Officers' Club in Manila shortly after the return of troops from China in 1900. The name was suggested by Major George L. Byram, U. S. A., in recognition of the services rendered to the American forces by the faithful Carabao, the principal beast of burden in the Philippines. The Carabao, the patron saint of the Order, has ever since been praised in song and verse by every soldier of the Philippine campaigns in honor of the indispensable services rendered in the absence of the Army mule."

 

-excerpted from "Historical sketch, constitution, and register of the Military Order of the Carabao together with songs that have been sung at "wallows" in various places." edited by Military Order of the Carabao, Publisher: W.F. Roberts Co., Washington, D.C.,1914.

[KevinBeyer]

According to Bishop and Elliot's American Society Medals, this is an example of a Type I membership medal for the Military Order of the Carabao.  Bishop and Elliot claim that this version was only used from "June 30 and August 5, 1905".  If true, that is amazing that a badge of this high quality design would be used for only 37 days.

 

 

(Image obtained from a public, online auction website and is used only for reference.)

[KevinBeyer]

ARTICLE VII. Insignia. 
SECTION 1.

( 1) The insignia of the Military Order of the Carabao shall consist of an equilateral triangle of bronze 1 ½ inches at base line, point upward, thereon in gold relief the head of a carabao, en profile; at the apex of triangle in relief, a rustic monogram of the letters "M. O. C."
( 2)    The insignia shall be pendant from a bronze bar by a ribbon of khaki color 13/16 inch wide, edged with dark blue ¼ inch wide. The bar is inscribed with the legend "Military Order of the Carabao" in relief, surmounting it a sea and rising therefrom a volcano. 
( 3) The reverse of the insignia then is represented in bas relief the Coat of Arms or flag of the so-called Filipino Republic. 

 

-excerpted from "Historical sketch, constitution, and register of the Military Order of the Carabao together with songs that have been sung at "wallows" in various places." edited by Military Order of the Carabao, Publisher: W.F. Roberts Co., Washington, D.C.,1914.

 

This description is in reference to what Bishop and Elliot describe as the Type 2 badge.  According to them, the gilding and blackening of the badge ceased in the mid 1980s.  Below is an example of the currently M.O.C. badge, referenced by B&E as Type 2a.

 

(image referenced from USMF member Kanemono in topic Military Order of the Carabao medal numbered to RADM Walter S. Crosley )

 

 

[kanemono]

Here is a Military Order of the Carabao (#1821) to Lieutenant General James Guthrie Harbord  (March 21, 1866 – August 20, 1947),  Harbord's first overseas experience came as a member of the occupation army in Cuca after the Spanish American War After leaving Cuba, he served as Assistant Chief of the Phillipines Constabulary from 1903 to 1909 and again from 1910 to 1913. In 1916, he was on the Mexican border with General John Pershing pursuing Pancho Villa.

When the United States entered World War One in 1917, Harbord went to France as General Pershing's chief of staff, which won him a promotion to Brigadier General. Throughout the war he continued to work closely with General Pershing. In June 1918, he was given command of the Fourth Marine Brigade, which was serving as part of the Army Second Infantry Division and then on July 15, briefly given command of the Division itself. He commanded the Marines during the Battle of Chateau-Thierry and the Battle of Belleau Wood. In August 1918, Harbord was recalled from the front and put in charge of troop and supply movement. Following the war, he was promoted to Major General and awarded the Distinguished Service Medal

In 1922, Harbord retired from the Army to become President of the Radio Corporation of America. While Harbord was President of RCA, the corporation undertook a number of significant moves. In 1926, RCA began television broadcasts and formed NBC. Harbord remained as Chairman of the Board for RCA until 1947, finally retiring shortly before his death.

[Pointedcuffs]

Great post!

[ken1967]

This is a great thread!