[CIVIL WAR]. Badge identified to Alfred J. Johnson, 1st, 3rd, and 5th Massachusetts Light Artilleries.

Overall approx. 1 3/8 x 3 5/16 in. silver and gilt two-part badge; T-bar to reverse (very minor toning). Crossed cannons and gilt torch with a looped belt engraved: "Battery C / Mass. Lt. Artly." Lower section a V Army Corps Maltese cross engraved with battle engagements (see below) with the owner's name and enlistments to the reverse: "Alfred J. Johnson. So. Boston / 1st Enl. Apl. 20. '61. / 2d. " Sept. 5. '61. / 3d. " Feb. 15. 64."

Alfred J. Johnson was a 20-year-old clerk in South Boston when he enlisted on 20 April 1861 as a private, mustering into the 1st Massachusetts Light Artillery on 18 May for three-month service, mustering out on 2 August at Camp Clare near Baltimore, MD. He re-enlisted, mustering into the 3rd Massachusetts Light Artillery on 5 September 1861, re-enlisting on 15 February 1864, and transferred on 1 September 1864 to the 5th Massachusetts Light Artillery. He mustered out on 12 June 1865 at Camp Meigs at Readville, MA. This finely engraved medal commemorates Johnson's dedicated service and extensive battle history that occupies both the obverse and reverse of the Maltese cross, obverse: "Yorktown / Han. Ct. House / Mechvle. / Gaines Mill Malvern Hill Bull Run 2d. / Antietam Shepardstown Leestown / Fredbg. Chancellorville [sic] Middleburg / Gettysburg / Rappk. Station / Mine Run." Reverse: "Wild'ness,Lawe. Hill / Spottsylvania [sic] / N. Anna, Col. / Harbor...Bes. Ch. / Petersburg / Weldon Road / Hatchers Run"

The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann