need help... gar medal found

[olekyground]

Hey guys. I found a grand army of the republic medal a while back and am trying to find the owner so I can return it to his relatives. The only thing I have to go by is the number on the side that says v-4243. Please help if possible I would love to return it to its rightful family. Thanks.

 

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[Tony (NC)]

My understanding is that they cannot be traced by the number on the medal. I am assuming it is a Grand Army Membership Badge you are talking about. Here's one of mine and some information about the badge itself.

The Grand Army Badge
The badge is of bronze, made from cannons captured in battle during the CivilWar, and is in a form of a five-pointedstar, similar in design to the two hundred Medals of Honor, authorized by anact of Congress to be given to the soldiers and sailors most distinguishedfor meritorious and gallant conduct during the Civil War.

THE OBVERSE -- in the center of the badge is the figure of the goddess ofliberty, representing loyalty. On either side, a soldier and a sailor claspinghands, representing fraternity, and two children receiving benediction andassurance of protection from the comrades, representing charity. On each sideof the group is the National Flag and the Eagle, representing freedom; and theaxe, or bundle of rods, or fasco, representing Union. In each point of the staris the insignia of the various branches of service -- the bugle for infantry,the crossed cannons for artillery, the crossed muskets for marines, the crossedsabers for cavalry, and the anchor for the sailors. Over the central groups arethe words "Grand Army of the Republic" and under "1861 --Veterans -- 1866" commemorating the commencement and close of therebellion and also the date of organization of the Order.

THE REVERSE SIDE represents a branch of laurel, the crown and reward of thebrave, in each point of the star. The National Shield is in the center,surrounded by the twenty-four recognized Corps Badges, numerically arranged,each on a keystone and all linked together, showing they are united and willguard and protect the shield of the nation. Around the center is a circle ofstars representing the states of the union comprising the Grand Army of theRepublic.

THE CLASP is comprised of the figure of an eagle with crossed cannons andammunition, representing defense; the eagle with drawn sword hovering over andalways ready to protect from insults or dishonor; the National Flag, which isalso the emblem and ribbon of the Order.

The first badge of the order was adopted in 1866. A change was made in October,1868, in its design, and a further change in October, 1869. At the nationalencampment of 1873, the badge was adopted which is substantially the one thatexists to-day, a few minor changes being made in 1886. It is now made fromcaptured cannon purchased from the Government.

The bronze button worn on the lapel of the coat was adopted in 1884.

(John E. Gilman, Commander-In-Chief, Grand Army of the Republic, 1910)