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Mexican War Gold Veteran's Shield, Mid. Andrew W. Johnson, U

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Mexican War Gold Veteran's Shield, Mid. Andrew W. Johnson, U

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Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
gold colored version engraved on reverse, Andrew W. Johnson/Midshipman USN.

The National Association of Mexican War Veterans (NAVMW) originated in post-Civil War California and expanded into a national group in January 1874 thanks to the advocacy of former dragoon Alexander M. Kenaday. The primary mission was to press Congress for pension benefits, recognition, and a stipend that aging Mexican War veterans had never received from the Federal government. In 1876, NAVMW finalized a complex design and issued a tier of gold, silver, and bronze shield-shaped medals to its members for purchase. Couched in Reconstruction era politics, a reluctant Congress ultimately delivered a pension to Mexican War veteran-applicants, but the organization‘s lofty goals including battlefield preservation and permanent recognition were never really achieved, overshadowed by the monolithic GAR movement. The last NAVMW meeting occurred in Indianapolis in 1910 and it is thought that the last Mexican War veteran died in 1929.

Andrew W. Johnson had an extensive navy career including Civil War service. From the District of Columbia, he joined the navy as Midshipman in October 1841, passed Midshipman, August 1847, serving in the Pacific Squadron aboard the sloop Warren and the store ship Erie.

During the Civil War he was promoted Lieutenant Commander in July 1862 serving in the Pacific Squadron. He joined the South Atlantic squadron in July 1864 and engaged rebel batteries in Stono River, S.C. in Lehigh and Montauk. Johnson was advanced to Captain in April 1874 and retired in February 1884. He died on June 14, 1887. 

Condition: Shield near EXC. with numerous tiny scratches on smooth reverse. Suspension bar may have been re-soldered.