United States of America: Military Order of Surgeons of the Red Cross, gold and enamel medals, produced in 14 carat gold, the obverse with a central enamelled shield, this with the Latin motto ‘Omnia Pro Patria Caritate’ (All for Country and Charity), reverse bearing jewellers details for: ‘Mermod Jaccard & King’, of Saint Louis, and dating this piece to circa 1905, the reverse with award number engraved: ‘No.398’. Complete with its original suspension, silk ribbon, and gold slot brooch. This housed in its original presentation case, the inside lid bearing matching jewellers details for Mermod, Jaccard & King Jewelry Company, Saint Louis. A beautifully made piece. Rare.
Condition: enamel work good with only light wear, overall Good Very Fine or better, the case a little distressed, with hinge now partially detached.
The "United States Military Order of Surgeons of the Red Cross" is not a formal, recognised branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, but rather a historical designation. It refers to medical officers, particularly those historically associated with early Red Cross volunteer services and the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States.
Historically, specialised badges (such as the uni-face red cross medal with the motto "Omnia Pro Patria Caritate") were occasionally awarded to military surgeons during eras of early organised relief. In the modern era, military trauma care and humanitarian medical operations are heavily integrated through the U.S. Military and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), rather than a specific separate order.
