Printed certificate of award on cream wove stock, approximately 8 x 8 1/2 inches, headed CROSS OF MILITARY SERVICE / UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY above the Society's device — the First National flag within a laurel wreath, flanked by the dates 1861-1865 and 1899-1900, with a small shield below bearing "61" and "65." Completed throughout in a period ink hand.

The certificate records Cross No. 99, awarded to Walter S. Bennett of St. Maries, Idaho, who "faithfully and honorably served the UNITED STATES during the PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION as a Private, Co. A, 18th Infantry Regt.," and who is further certified a lineal descendant of Wadkin Silas Bennett, Private, Co. I, 12th Ky. Cavalry, "in the War between the States." The award was made through Paducah Chapter, No. 341, of Paducah, Kentucky, on the 18th day of May, 1942, with the recipient's name directed to be inscribed on the Roll of Honor. Signed at lower right by the President-General and by Emory Todhunter, Custodian of Crosses. An embossed gold foil seal of the Society is affixed at lower left, with its original pleated red, white and blue silk ribbon intact.

The Cross of Military Service grew out of the Southern Cross of Honor, instituted by the UDC in 1899 for Confederate veterans themselves; as later generations went to war, the Daughters extended the honor to descendants who had served the United States, in classes covering the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection, the World Wars, and later conflicts. This example was bestowed in 1942 — better than four decades after the service it recognizes — and is the scarcer Philippine Insurrection class rather than one of the far more common World War issues.

The Confederate 12th Kentucky Cavalry, Faulkner's regiment (also carried as the 1st Kentucky and Tennessee), was mustered into service in Mississippi in 1863 and drew heavily on men from the Jackson Purchase counties of far western Kentucky. It served under Forrest, seeing action at Union City, Jack's Creek, Harrisburg and Pulaski, and was surrendered at Gainesville, Alabama, in May 1865 — a regimental history that sits naturally with the award being made through the Paducah chapter, in the heart of the country that raised it.

CONDITION

Overall toning, heavier across the lower third. A single horizontal fold through the center, with soiling, light staining and short separations along its length, and edge chipping at the right terminus. Scattered creasing at the lower right corner and light edge wear throughout. Seal bright and firmly attached; ribbon complete with minor fraying. Text fully legible.  [ss][ph:L]

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