The Franco-Mexican War - 1861-1867
The Franco-Mexican War, or the Second French Intervention, occurred between 1861 and 1867. The first French Intervention, or Pastry War, occurred over several months during 1838-39 and involved a naval blockade and the capture of the Fortress of San Juan de Ulua in Veracruz. A British brokered peace brought the conflict to an end.
Fortress of San Juan de Ulua in Veracruz
Emperor Maximilian of Mexico and General Ignacio Zaragoza
In 1861, following the withdrawal of Britain and Spain from Mexico, France spurred by dreams of re-establishing a presence in the new world, launched an occupation of Mexico aided by conservative Mexican forces.
On April 2, 1862, France declared war on Mexico. In Puebla, France encountered strong opposition from Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, who defeated the French forces on May 5, 1862. The date was declared a national holiday, Cinco de Mayo. The eventual fall of Puebla in 1863, after a two-month siege, led to the occupation of Mexico City and the establishment of a provisional government in June 1863. Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph von Habsburg of Austria was crowned King as orchestrated by Emperor Napoleon III of France.
With the conclusion of the US Civil War, more US attention and focus were directed toward Mexico. Arms were provided to assist Benito Juarez, President of Mexico, in his battle against the Europeans. US forces were also deployed along the Mexican border. Eventually, with other pressures being felt from a bellicose Prussia in Europe, Napoleon III decided to end his new world adventure. By 1866, French troops had started being recalled to their homeland. On May 15, 1866, Maximilian surrendered, but refused to flee for his life. He was eventually captured and executed by firing squad on June 19, 1867.
MEDAL FOR ACULTZINGO 1862 Obverse & two Reverses
MEDAL FOR ACULTZINGO, 1862
This medal was awarded, following the Battle of Acultzingo, also known as the Battle of Las Cumbres, which occurred at the Acultzingo Pass on April 28, 1862, to the Mexican troops who resisted the advance of the French forces on their way from Veracruz to Mexico City. It is an oval gold, silver or bronze, 26mm medal, inscribed on the obverse between two laurel branches, LA REPUBLICA MEXICANA A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS and on the reverse COMBATIO CON HONOR EN LAS CUMBRES DE ACULTZINGO CONTRA EJERCITO FRANCES EL 28 DE ABRIL DE 1862. The gold and silver medals have an eagle or a palm wreath suspension device, respectively. The ribbon is 22mm.
MEDAL FOR THE BATTLE OF MAY 5, 1862
Awarded to the troops engaged in the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862, under Generals Zaragoza and Porfirio Diaz. French troops numbering six thousand, commanded by General Charles Ferdinand Comte de Laurencez, were defeated by the Mexicans.
The gold, silver or bronze medal is oval and similar in size and design to that for the Battle of Acultzingo, with the same inscription on the obverse, LA REPUBLICA MEXICANA A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS. The reverse is inscribed, TRIUNFO GLORIOSAMENTE DEL EJERCITO FRANCES DELANTE DE PUEBLA EL 5 DE MAYO DE 1862. The ribbon displays the national colors in equal vertical stripes of green, white and red.
The Mexican victory is celebrated yearly on the fifth of May. Its celebration is regional in Mexico, primarily in the State of Puebla, where the holiday is celebrated as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla. There is some limited recognition of the holiday in other parts of the country. In the United States, this holiday has evolved into the very popular Cinco de Mayo.
Silver MEDAL FOR THE BATTLE OF MAY 5, 1862 Obverse & Reverse
Bronze MEDAL FOR DEFENDERS OF PUEBLA, 1862 (Obverse & Reverse for Combatants)
MEDAL FOR DEFENDERS OF PUEBLA, 1862
The 25mm round medal was awarded in gold, silver or bronze to those who fought within the city of Puebla. It bears the same obverse as the medal for the Battle of Acultzingo, LA REPUBLICA MEXICANA A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS and on the reverse, it is inscribed DEFENDIENDO A LA CIUDAD DE PUEBLA CONTRIBUYO AL GLORIOSO TRIUNFO CONTRA EL EJERCITO FRANCES EL 5 DE MAYO DE 1862.
The engraver's name, NAVALON is inscribed at the base of the reverse. For support troops, the reverse inscription reads, DERROTANDO A LOS TRAIDORES EL 4 DE MAYO CONTRIBUYO EFICAZMENTE AL TRIUNFO ALCANZADO EN PUEBLA CONTRA EL EJERCITO FRANCES EL 5 DE MAYO DE 1862. The medal was originally suspended on a furled red ribbon, with a red/white/green cockade, and a bronze-gilt pasador (pin) and hook, which were topped by a Mexican eagle.
MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF PUEBLA CITY, CHIEFS VERSION 1862 Obverse & Reverse
MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF PUEBLA CITY, CHIEFS VERSION 1862
Instituted in 1862, this is an oval silver-gilt medal. The obverse is inscribed LA REPÚBLICA MEXICANA A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS surrounded by a tied laurel wreath. The reverse contains the inscription TRIUNFO GLORIOSAMENTE DEL EJERCITO FRANCES DELANTE DE PUEBLA EL 5 DE MAYO DE 1862 surrounded by a laurel wreath, measuring 30.54mm (inclusive of the integral ring).
CROSS FOR SIEGE OF PUEBLA 1863
After the first defeat of the French in 1862, thirty thousand additional troops under General Elie Frederic Forey arrived. Under the leadership of Generals Bazaine and Douay, these troops besieged and reduced the City of Puebla following a series of battles fought between March 16, 1863 and May 17, 1863, the date of the final Mexican sortie. These battles occurred at Cholula, Ft. San Javier, Atlixco, the Convent of Santa Inez, San Pablo and San Lorenzo. The French forces entered the City of Puebla on May 19, 1863. They were then able to advance to the capital, Mexico City, which they entered on June 7, 1863. This decoration was authorized after the fall of Maximilian for the defenders of Puebla.
The four-armed CROSS FOR THE SIEGE OF PUEBLA 1863, has been established the actual CROSS FOR THE SIEGE OF PUEBLA 1863. It appeared in a Morton & Eden auction catalog as shared by Professor Ed Haynes, with arms outlined in green enamel with the Mexican eagle in gilt on a central oval red enamel background. The white enamel surround, outlined in gilt, reads, DEFENDIO PUEBLA Y ZARAGOZA 1863. It is also suspended from a white watered ribbon (25mm X 25mm), which has two diagonal stripes of green and red, each 2mm wide and 2mm apart, running from the lower left to the upper right corners. There is also a plaque.
The three-armed Cross, as described in Harold Gillingham's 1940 article, Mexican Decorations of Honor, is a gold, silver, or bronze gilt cross, enameled green, having on the obverse oval red medallion the national eagle surrounded by DEFENDIO A PUEBLA DE ZARA (Zaragoza) EN 1863 CONTRA EL EJERCITO FRANCES. The white watered ribbon (25mm X 25mm) has two diagonal stripes of green and red, each 2mm wide and 2mm apart, running from the lower left to the upper right corners.
SIEGE OF PUEBLA GOLD CROSS 1863 and the CROSS described by Gillingham (1940)
CROSS (Collar) FOR PUEBLA 1867
CROSS FOR PUEBLA 1867
Awarded to those taking part in the Battle of April 2, 1867, also called the Third Battle of Puebla, against troops loyal to the Mexican Empire under Maximilian. It is a Maltese cross of gold, silver or bronze, with the arms enameled green, white, red and white, superimposed on a laurel wreath and with an eagle, in gold, silver or bronze finish, as the suspension device. On the obverse medallion is PREMIO AL MERITO Y AL VALOR MILITAR and on the reverse VENCIO A LOS DEFENSORES DE PUEBLA EL 2 DE ABRIL DE 1867. The 30mm moiré ribbon is in the Mexican national colors and is displayed around the neck. There is also a collar (above) and a plaque.
CROSS FOR PUEBLA 1867 Plaque & 1st Class (Gold Eagle)
CROSS FOR QUERETARO 1867
CROSS FOR QUERETARO 1867
Awarded by decree dated May 10, 1894, to the Mexican survivors who fought under General Porfirio Diaz against Maximilian's forces at Queretaro. The sites of the two main engagements ere Fort Loreto and Fort Guadalupe. It is a double-pointed, ball-tipped cross of three arms superimposed on a laurel wreath and with a Mexican eagle as the suspension device. The arms are enameled green, white and red. The obverse is inscribed, VENCIO EN QUERETARO EN 1867, and the reverse is inscribed, LA PATRIA AGRADECIDA.
The 30mm ribbon is of three equal stripes—green, white and red. There is also a collar and plaque apparently not awarded, for the Commander-in-Chief, a plaque for Generals and Crosses for Generals, Officers, and troops.
CROSS FOR 1861–1867
Awarded to the opponents of the French and allied troops during the years of Maximilian's control.
FIRST CLASS CROSS FOR 1861–1867 (Obverse & Reverse)
It is a gold, silver or bronze cross (with double, ball-tipped points) enameled red, with rays in the angles and superimposed on a green-enameled laurel wreath. The obverse of the first-class cross is inscribed, COMBATIO A LA INTERVENCION FRANCESA Y SUS ALIADOS DESDE 1861 HASTA 1867, encircled by PREMIO AL PATRIOTISMO. The reverse is inscribed, SALVO LA INDEPENDENCIA Y LAS INSTITUCIONES REPUBLICANAS encircled by DISTINTIVO DE CONSTANCIA Y VALOR. The 20mm ribbon is white with 4mm red edges.
The second-class cross is inscribed on the obverse, COOPERO A LA DEFENSA DE LA REPUBLICA CONTRA EL EJERCITO FRANCES, surrounded by PREMIO AL PATRIOTISMO and on the reverse COMBATIO POR LA INDEPENDENCIA Y LAS INSTITUCIONES REPUBLICANAS encircled by a band inscribed DISTINTIVO AL VALOR. The 20mm white ribbon has a diagonal red stripe, 5mm wide, running from the lower left to the upper right corners.
The 44mm bronze cross for the troops is not enameled and bears the same inscription as the first-class cross.
SECOND CLASS CROSS FOR 1861–1867 (Obverse & Reverse)
ENLISTED BRONZE CROSS FOR FRENCH INTERVENTION 1861-1867 and MEDAL OF THE DEFENDERS OF THE REPUBLIC 1867
MEDAL OF THE DEFENDERS OF THE REPUBLIC 1867
Awarded to resistors of the French. The obverse depicts the Mexican eagle surrounded by laurel leaves knotted at the bottom and open at the top. The curved inscription at the top reads, DEFENDORES DE LA REPUBLICA and below MEXICANA SOCIEDAD separated by a small five-pointed star. The reverse is inscribed on seven lines, COMBATIERON POR LA INTEFRIDAD DEL TERRITORIO NACIONAL DESDE 1836 – 1848 A 1867.
MEXICAN STATE MEDALS
MEDAL FOR THE STATE OF GUERRERO
Created by decree of October 13, 1869, the 38mm gold or silver medal, with an eagle as the suspension device, was inscribed on the obverse COMBATIO A LA INTERVENCION Y AL LLAMADO IMPERIO, encircled by a laurel wreath. The reverse was inscribed within a laurel wreath, EL ESTADO DE GUERRERO A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS. The 24mm ribbon is in the national colors and is worn around the neck.
MEDAL FOR THE STATE OF GUERRERO, STATE OF GUERRERO MEDAL FOR CHIALPA, and MEDAL OF MICHOACAN
STATE OF GUERRERO MEDAL FOR CHIALPA
Authorized by the state of Guerrero for action at Chialpa during November 1864. It is identical with the above medal for the intervention, save that the obverse inscription is VENCIO A LOS TRAIDORES Y SUS ALIADOS EL 10 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 1864. The ribbon is the same as for the preceding medal.
STATE OF OAXACA MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF OXACA, GOLD & BRONZE WITH ROSETTE
MEDAL OF MICHOACAN
Created by decree of April 20, 1868. This is an elaborate enameled decoration, consisting of two crossed Mexican flags, above which is an eagle within a green laurel wreath; above this is a band inscribed MICHOACAN and another band with AL PATRIOTISMO Y LA CONSTANCIA. The moiré ribbon is bright red, 16mm.
STATE OF OAXACA MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF OXACA
Authorized in 1868 for the defenders of Oaxaca. The obverse of the 30mm gold or silver medal surmounted by a Mexican Eagle reads, DEFENDIO LA INDEPENDENCIA NACIONAL OAXACA. The reverse is inscribed within a laurel wreath, VENCIENDO AL ENEMIGO EXTRANJERO Y AL TRAIDOR A SU PATRIA. The ribbon is a 26mm rosette in the national colors with green at the center. The medal was awarded to the coal miners of Soyaltepec, Juchitan, and Miahuatlan.
STATE OF PUEBLA MEDAL FOR VALOR IN THE ASSAULT ON PUEBLA (Obverse & Reverse) and STATE OF PUEBLA MEDAL 1861-1867 FOR VALOR & LONG SERVICE (Reverse)
STATE OF PUEBLA MEDAL FOR VALOR IN THE ASSAULT ON PUEBLA April 1867
Created on April 2, 1867, this very rare silver medal (25mm) was awarded to officers of General Porfirio Diaz, who participated in the third battle of Puebla on April 2, 1867 suspended on an original red and white ribbon, with a silver pin and hook, topped by a Phrygian cap. The obverse bears the curved inscription, EL ESTADO DE PUEBLA and on three lines in the center, AL VALOR MILITAR all inscribed within a wreath open at the top and knotted at the bottom. The reverse is inscribed, ASALTO LA PLAZA DE PUEBLA VENCIENDO A LOS TRAIDORES A LA PATRIA 2 DE ABRIL DE 1867. The 25mm ribbon is red with a 5mm diagonal white stripe 5mm broad from the lower left to the upper right corners.
STATE OF PUEBLA MEDAL FOR 1861–1867
Created by decree of May 7, 1869, the 25mm gold, silver, or bronze medal is inscribed on the obverse, COMBATIO POR LA INDEPENDENCIA DE SU PATRIA, and on the reverse, EL ESTADO DE PUEBLA PREMIA EL VALOR Y LA CONSTANCIA. The 25mm ribbon is half-green, half-red with a 5mm diagonal white stripe from the lower left to the upper right corners. A slotted bar surmounted by the Mexican eagle serves as a brooch.
STATE OF TLAXCALA MEDAL FOR THE ASSAULT ON PUEBLA, April 2, 1867
The rare 25mm bronze-gilt medal was awarded in gold, silver, or bronze to soldiers of President Juarez and Gen. Porfirio Diaz, who participated in the third battle of Puebla on April 2, 1867, resulting in an important victory over the French. The obverse is inscribed, EL ESTADO (curved at the top) DE TLAXACALA A SUS (three straight lines) and EL VALIENTES SOLDADOS (curved at the bottom) encircled by a wreath open at the top and knotted at the bottom. The reverse is inscribed within a laurel wreath open at the top and knotted at the bottom, CONCURRLO (curved at the top), AL GLORIOSOS ASALTO DE PUEBLA EL (on five straight lines) and 2 DE ABRIL DE 1867 (curved at the bottom). Below the wreath is the engraver's name NAVALON. The reverse reads, EL ESTADO DE TLAXCALA SUS VALIENTES SOLDADOS. The ribbon reflects the national colors.
STATE OF TLAXCALA MEDAL FOR THE ASSAULT ON PUEBLA and MEDAL OF VERACRUZ
MEDAL OF VERACRUZ 1861–1867
Created by decree of March 14, 1868. The silver oval medal, 23mm X 16mm, is inscribed on the obverse within a laurel wreath EL ESTADO DE VERACRUZ AL PATRIOTA VALIENTE and on the reverse COMBATIO SIN DESCANSO CONTRA LOS ENEMIGOS DE SU PATRIA. The 13mm ribbon reflects the national colors.
HERALDIC DESIGN NOTE:
The Mexican Eagle depicted some of the foregoing awards as well as on early Mexican flags and the national emblem, is actually the northern crested caracara or "quebrantahuesos," a species of bird, resembling an eagle and common in Mexico (although the name "eagle" is taxonomically incorrect, as the caracara is in the falcon family). The snake held in its mouth is an aquatic snake. In 1917, the snake was changed to a rattlesnake and the modern Mexican flag and national emblem now reflect a Golden Eagle.
REFERENCES:
Gillingham, Harold E., Numismatic Notes and Monographs, Mexican Decorations of Honor New York 1940
Republica Mexicana, Heraldica Militar, Secretaria de Guerra y Marina, Department de Estado Mayor
The Franco-Mexican War, or the Second French Intervention, occurred between 1861 and 1867. The first French Intervention, or Pastry War, occurred over several months during 1838-39 and involved a naval blockade and the capture of the Fortress of San Juan de Ulua in Veracruz. A British brokered peace brought the conflict to an end.
Fortress of San Juan de Ulua in Veracruz
Emperor Maximilian of Mexico and General Ignacio Zaragoza
In 1861, following the withdrawal of Britain and Spain from Mexico, France spurred by dreams of re-establishing a presence in the new world, launched an occupation of Mexico aided by conservative Mexican forces.
On April 2, 1862, France declared war on Mexico. In Puebla, France encountered strong opposition from Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, who defeated the French forces on May 5, 1862. The date was declared a national holiday, Cinco de Mayo. The eventual fall of Puebla in 1863, after a two-month siege, led to the occupation of Mexico City and the establishment of a provisional government in June 1863. Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph von Habsburg of Austria was crowned King as orchestrated by Emperor Napoleon III of France.
With the conclusion of the US Civil War, more US attention and focus were directed toward Mexico. Arms were provided to assist Benito Juarez, President of Mexico, in his battle against the Europeans. US forces were also deployed along the Mexican border. Eventually, with other pressures being felt from a bellicose Prussia in Europe, Napoleon III decided to end his new world adventure. By 1866, French troops had started being recalled to their homeland. On May 15, 1866, Maximilian surrendered, but refused to flee for his life. He was eventually captured and executed by firing squad on June 19, 1867.
MEDAL FOR ACULTZINGO 1862 Obverse & two Reverses
MEDAL FOR ACULTZINGO, 1862
This medal was awarded, following the Battle of Acultzingo, also known as the Battle of Las Cumbres, which occurred at the Acultzingo Pass on April 28, 1862, to the Mexican troops who resisted the advance of the French forces on their way from Veracruz to Mexico City. It is an oval gold, silver or bronze, 26mm medal, inscribed on the obverse between two laurel branches, LA REPUBLICA MEXICANA A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS and on the reverse COMBATIO CON HONOR EN LAS CUMBRES DE ACULTZINGO CONTRA EJERCITO FRANCES EL 28 DE ABRIL DE 1862. The gold and silver medals have an eagle or a palm wreath suspension device, respectively. The ribbon is 22mm.
MEDAL FOR THE BATTLE OF MAY 5, 1862
Awarded to the troops engaged in the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862, under Generals Zaragoza and Porfirio Diaz. French troops numbering six thousand, commanded by General Charles Ferdinand Comte de Laurencez, were defeated by the Mexicans.
The gold, silver or bronze medal is oval and similar in size and design to that for the Battle of Acultzingo, with the same inscription on the obverse, LA REPUBLICA MEXICANA A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS. The reverse is inscribed, TRIUNFO GLORIOSAMENTE DEL EJERCITO FRANCES DELANTE DE PUEBLA EL 5 DE MAYO DE 1862. The ribbon displays the national colors in equal vertical stripes of green, white and red.
The Mexican victory is celebrated yearly on the fifth of May. Its celebration is regional in Mexico, primarily in the State of Puebla, where the holiday is celebrated as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla. There is some limited recognition of the holiday in other parts of the country. In the United States, this holiday has evolved into the very popular Cinco de Mayo.
Silver MEDAL FOR THE BATTLE OF MAY 5, 1862 Obverse & Reverse
Bronze MEDAL FOR DEFENDERS OF PUEBLA, 1862 (Obverse & Reverse for Combatants)
MEDAL FOR DEFENDERS OF PUEBLA, 1862
The 25mm round medal was awarded in gold, silver or bronze to those who fought within the city of Puebla. It bears the same obverse as the medal for the Battle of Acultzingo, LA REPUBLICA MEXICANA A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS and on the reverse, it is inscribed DEFENDIENDO A LA CIUDAD DE PUEBLA CONTRIBUYO AL GLORIOSO TRIUNFO CONTRA EL EJERCITO FRANCES EL 5 DE MAYO DE 1862.
The engraver's name, NAVALON is inscribed at the base of the reverse. For support troops, the reverse inscription reads, DERROTANDO A LOS TRAIDORES EL 4 DE MAYO CONTRIBUYO EFICAZMENTE AL TRIUNFO ALCANZADO EN PUEBLA CONTRA EL EJERCITO FRANCES EL 5 DE MAYO DE 1862. The medal was originally suspended on a furled red ribbon, with a red/white/green cockade, and a bronze-gilt pasador (pin) and hook, which were topped by a Mexican eagle.
MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF PUEBLA CITY, CHIEFS VERSION 1862 Obverse & Reverse
MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF PUEBLA CITY, CHIEFS VERSION 1862
Instituted in 1862, this is an oval silver-gilt medal. The obverse is inscribed LA REPÚBLICA MEXICANA A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS surrounded by a tied laurel wreath. The reverse contains the inscription TRIUNFO GLORIOSAMENTE DEL EJERCITO FRANCES DELANTE DE PUEBLA EL 5 DE MAYO DE 1862 surrounded by a laurel wreath, measuring 30.54mm (inclusive of the integral ring).
CROSS FOR SIEGE OF PUEBLA 1863
After the first defeat of the French in 1862, thirty thousand additional troops under General Elie Frederic Forey arrived. Under the leadership of Generals Bazaine and Douay, these troops besieged and reduced the City of Puebla following a series of battles fought between March 16, 1863 and May 17, 1863, the date of the final Mexican sortie. These battles occurred at Cholula, Ft. San Javier, Atlixco, the Convent of Santa Inez, San Pablo and San Lorenzo. The French forces entered the City of Puebla on May 19, 1863. They were then able to advance to the capital, Mexico City, which they entered on June 7, 1863. This decoration was authorized after the fall of Maximilian for the defenders of Puebla.
The four-armed CROSS FOR THE SIEGE OF PUEBLA 1863, has been established the actual CROSS FOR THE SIEGE OF PUEBLA 1863. It appeared in a Morton & Eden auction catalog as shared by Professor Ed Haynes, with arms outlined in green enamel with the Mexican eagle in gilt on a central oval red enamel background. The white enamel surround, outlined in gilt, reads, DEFENDIO PUEBLA Y ZARAGOZA 1863. It is also suspended from a white watered ribbon (25mm X 25mm), which has two diagonal stripes of green and red, each 2mm wide and 2mm apart, running from the lower left to the upper right corners. There is also a plaque.
The three-armed Cross, as described in Harold Gillingham's 1940 article, Mexican Decorations of Honor, is a gold, silver, or bronze gilt cross, enameled green, having on the obverse oval red medallion the national eagle surrounded by DEFENDIO A PUEBLA DE ZARA (Zaragoza) EN 1863 CONTRA EL EJERCITO FRANCES. The white watered ribbon (25mm X 25mm) has two diagonal stripes of green and red, each 2mm wide and 2mm apart, running from the lower left to the upper right corners.
SIEGE OF PUEBLA GOLD CROSS 1863 and the CROSS described by Gillingham (1940)
CROSS (Collar) FOR PUEBLA 1867
CROSS FOR PUEBLA 1867
Awarded to those taking part in the Battle of April 2, 1867, also called the Third Battle of Puebla, against troops loyal to the Mexican Empire under Maximilian. It is a Maltese cross of gold, silver or bronze, with the arms enameled green, white, red and white, superimposed on a laurel wreath and with an eagle, in gold, silver or bronze finish, as the suspension device. On the obverse medallion is PREMIO AL MERITO Y AL VALOR MILITAR and on the reverse VENCIO A LOS DEFENSORES DE PUEBLA EL 2 DE ABRIL DE 1867. The 30mm moiré ribbon is in the Mexican national colors and is displayed around the neck. There is also a collar (above) and a plaque.
CROSS FOR PUEBLA 1867 Plaque & 1st Class (Gold Eagle)
CROSS FOR QUERETARO 1867
CROSS FOR QUERETARO 1867
Awarded by decree dated May 10, 1894, to the Mexican survivors who fought under General Porfirio Diaz against Maximilian's forces at Queretaro. The sites of the two main engagements ere Fort Loreto and Fort Guadalupe. It is a double-pointed, ball-tipped cross of three arms superimposed on a laurel wreath and with a Mexican eagle as the suspension device. The arms are enameled green, white and red. The obverse is inscribed, VENCIO EN QUERETARO EN 1867, and the reverse is inscribed, LA PATRIA AGRADECIDA.
The 30mm ribbon is of three equal stripes—green, white and red. There is also a collar and plaque apparently not awarded, for the Commander-in-Chief, a plaque for Generals and Crosses for Generals, Officers, and troops.
CROSS FOR 1861–1867
Awarded to the opponents of the French and allied troops during the years of Maximilian's control.
FIRST CLASS CROSS FOR 1861–1867 (Obverse & Reverse)
It is a gold, silver or bronze cross (with double, ball-tipped points) enameled red, with rays in the angles and superimposed on a green-enameled laurel wreath. The obverse of the first-class cross is inscribed, COMBATIO A LA INTERVENCION FRANCESA Y SUS ALIADOS DESDE 1861 HASTA 1867, encircled by PREMIO AL PATRIOTISMO. The reverse is inscribed, SALVO LA INDEPENDENCIA Y LAS INSTITUCIONES REPUBLICANAS encircled by DISTINTIVO DE CONSTANCIA Y VALOR. The 20mm ribbon is white with 4mm red edges.
The second-class cross is inscribed on the obverse, COOPERO A LA DEFENSA DE LA REPUBLICA CONTRA EL EJERCITO FRANCES, surrounded by PREMIO AL PATRIOTISMO and on the reverse COMBATIO POR LA INDEPENDENCIA Y LAS INSTITUCIONES REPUBLICANAS encircled by a band inscribed DISTINTIVO AL VALOR. The 20mm white ribbon has a diagonal red stripe, 5mm wide, running from the lower left to the upper right corners.
The 44mm bronze cross for the troops is not enameled and bears the same inscription as the first-class cross.
SECOND CLASS CROSS FOR 1861–1867 (Obverse & Reverse)
ENLISTED BRONZE CROSS FOR FRENCH INTERVENTION 1861-1867 and MEDAL OF THE DEFENDERS OF THE REPUBLIC 1867
MEDAL OF THE DEFENDERS OF THE REPUBLIC 1867
Awarded to resistors of the French. The obverse depicts the Mexican eagle surrounded by laurel leaves knotted at the bottom and open at the top. The curved inscription at the top reads, DEFENDORES DE LA REPUBLICA and below MEXICANA SOCIEDAD separated by a small five-pointed star. The reverse is inscribed on seven lines, COMBATIERON POR LA INTEFRIDAD DEL TERRITORIO NACIONAL DESDE 1836 – 1848 A 1867.
MEXICAN STATE MEDALS
MEDAL FOR THE STATE OF GUERRERO
Created by decree of October 13, 1869, the 38mm gold or silver medal, with an eagle as the suspension device, was inscribed on the obverse COMBATIO A LA INTERVENCION Y AL LLAMADO IMPERIO, encircled by a laurel wreath. The reverse was inscribed within a laurel wreath, EL ESTADO DE GUERRERO A SUS VALIENTES HIJOS. The 24mm ribbon is in the national colors and is worn around the neck.
MEDAL FOR THE STATE OF GUERRERO, STATE OF GUERRERO MEDAL FOR CHIALPA, and MEDAL OF MICHOACAN
STATE OF GUERRERO MEDAL FOR CHIALPA
Authorized by the state of Guerrero for action at Chialpa during November 1864. It is identical with the above medal for the intervention, save that the obverse inscription is VENCIO A LOS TRAIDORES Y SUS ALIADOS EL 10 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 1864. The ribbon is the same as for the preceding medal.
STATE OF OAXACA MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF OXACA, GOLD & BRONZE WITH ROSETTE
MEDAL OF MICHOACAN
Created by decree of April 20, 1868. This is an elaborate enameled decoration, consisting of two crossed Mexican flags, above which is an eagle within a green laurel wreath; above this is a band inscribed MICHOACAN and another band with AL PATRIOTISMO Y LA CONSTANCIA. The moiré ribbon is bright red, 16mm.
STATE OF OAXACA MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF OXACA
Authorized in 1868 for the defenders of Oaxaca. The obverse of the 30mm gold or silver medal surmounted by a Mexican Eagle reads, DEFENDIO LA INDEPENDENCIA NACIONAL OAXACA. The reverse is inscribed within a laurel wreath, VENCIENDO AL ENEMIGO EXTRANJERO Y AL TRAIDOR A SU PATRIA. The ribbon is a 26mm rosette in the national colors with green at the center. The medal was awarded to the coal miners of Soyaltepec, Juchitan, and Miahuatlan.
STATE OF PUEBLA MEDAL FOR VALOR IN THE ASSAULT ON PUEBLA (Obverse & Reverse) and STATE OF PUEBLA MEDAL 1861-1867 FOR VALOR & LONG SERVICE (Reverse)
STATE OF PUEBLA MEDAL FOR VALOR IN THE ASSAULT ON PUEBLA April 1867
Created on April 2, 1867, this very rare silver medal (25mm) was awarded to officers of General Porfirio Diaz, who participated in the third battle of Puebla on April 2, 1867 suspended on an original red and white ribbon, with a silver pin and hook, topped by a Phrygian cap. The obverse bears the curved inscription, EL ESTADO DE PUEBLA and on three lines in the center, AL VALOR MILITAR all inscribed within a wreath open at the top and knotted at the bottom. The reverse is inscribed, ASALTO LA PLAZA DE PUEBLA VENCIENDO A LOS TRAIDORES A LA PATRIA 2 DE ABRIL DE 1867. The 25mm ribbon is red with a 5mm diagonal white stripe 5mm broad from the lower left to the upper right corners.
STATE OF PUEBLA MEDAL FOR 1861–1867
Created by decree of May 7, 1869, the 25mm gold, silver, or bronze medal is inscribed on the obverse, COMBATIO POR LA INDEPENDENCIA DE SU PATRIA, and on the reverse, EL ESTADO DE PUEBLA PREMIA EL VALOR Y LA CONSTANCIA. The 25mm ribbon is half-green, half-red with a 5mm diagonal white stripe from the lower left to the upper right corners. A slotted bar surmounted by the Mexican eagle serves as a brooch.
STATE OF TLAXCALA MEDAL FOR THE ASSAULT ON PUEBLA, April 2, 1867
The rare 25mm bronze-gilt medal was awarded in gold, silver, or bronze to soldiers of President Juarez and Gen. Porfirio Diaz, who participated in the third battle of Puebla on April 2, 1867, resulting in an important victory over the French. The obverse is inscribed, EL ESTADO (curved at the top) DE TLAXACALA A SUS (three straight lines) and EL VALIENTES SOLDADOS (curved at the bottom) encircled by a wreath open at the top and knotted at the bottom. The reverse is inscribed within a laurel wreath open at the top and knotted at the bottom, CONCURRLO (curved at the top), AL GLORIOSOS ASALTO DE PUEBLA EL (on five straight lines) and 2 DE ABRIL DE 1867 (curved at the bottom). Below the wreath is the engraver's name NAVALON. The reverse reads, EL ESTADO DE TLAXCALA SUS VALIENTES SOLDADOS. The ribbon reflects the national colors.
STATE OF TLAXCALA MEDAL FOR THE ASSAULT ON PUEBLA and MEDAL OF VERACRUZ
MEDAL OF VERACRUZ 1861–1867
Created by decree of March 14, 1868. The silver oval medal, 23mm X 16mm, is inscribed on the obverse within a laurel wreath EL ESTADO DE VERACRUZ AL PATRIOTA VALIENTE and on the reverse COMBATIO SIN DESCANSO CONTRA LOS ENEMIGOS DE SU PATRIA. The 13mm ribbon reflects the national colors.
HERALDIC DESIGN NOTE:
The Mexican Eagle depicted some of the foregoing awards as well as on early Mexican flags and the national emblem, is actually the northern crested caracara or "quebrantahuesos," a species of bird, resembling an eagle and common in Mexico (although the name "eagle" is taxonomically incorrect, as the caracara is in the falcon family). The snake held in its mouth is an aquatic snake. In 1917, the snake was changed to a rattlesnake and the modern Mexican flag and national emblem now reflect a Golden Eagle.
REFERENCES:
Gillingham, Harold E., Numismatic Notes and Monographs, Mexican Decorations of Honor New York 1940
Republica Mexicana, Heraldica Militar, Secretaria de Guerra y Marina, Department de Estado Mayor
Website Maintained by Vaudezilla