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National Team Rifle Match Medal of Carl T. Osburn from 1919


National Team Match Medal of Carl T Osburn from 1919 shield shaped planchette with red white and blue ribbon and pin and clasp bar

Title: National Trophy Team Rifle Match 1919
Accession #: NHHC 2000-158-12
Circa: 1919
Size: 3.5"x1.5"
Medium: Brass, Fabric
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command

In an effort to increase military marksmanship and preparedness in the defense of the Nation, legislation was developed in 1903 to hold national marksmanship matches. This legislation was authorized by Congress in Army General Order #61. The teams representing all branches of the military were competing for the trophy called “Dogs of War.” The first matches were held at Sea Girt, NJ in 1903, followed by Ft Riley, KS, in 1904.  In 1906, Camp Perry, OH, named in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, became the home of the National Matches. Carl T. Osburn medaled in these events multiple times.

Obverse is a depiction of "The Dogs of War" with a man holding dogs on leashes. The proper left has a National Seal medal with tabs below depicting Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and National Guard. The proper right text reads "National Trophy Presented by the Congress of the United States for Excellence in Team Marksmanship MDCCCCIV." The pin is attached to the medal by a ribbon with vertical red, white, and blue stripes. The text on the bar reads "The National Team Match."  Below the Dogs of War is "Prize 1919." The position ranking was not engraved on this medal.  


National Team Match Medal of Carl T Osburn from 1919 Reverse

Reverse etched "C.T. Osburn." 

Published: Wed Apr 18 14:24:46 EDT 2018