Name/Title
medal, fraternalEntry/Object ID
G 7982Description
Medal, fraternal. Women's Relief Corps. Bronze Maltese cross decorated with the symbol of the Grand Army of the Republic; arms of the cross marked "WOMENS RELIEF CORPS 1883." Cross suspended from grosgrain ribbon with red, white and blue vertical stripes. Ribbon attached to bar with pin on back. Maker's mark on reverse reads "PATENTED MAY 4 AND SEPT 28, 1886." This medal belonged to Mary Bostwick Shellman, a lifelong supporter of Union Veterans.Context
Woman’s Relief Corps Badge
The badge of the Woman’s Relief Corps (WRC) features a Maltese cross suspended from a red, white, and blue grosgrain ribbon. At its center, encircled by stars and flanked by two American flags, are four symbolic figures: the Goddess of Liberty, a soldier (representing fraternity), a boy (loyalty), and a woman (charity and motherhood). A child in the design reflects patriotism and hope for the future. The badge bar is engraved with the WRC motto: Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty (FCL).
About the Woman’s Relief Corps
Formed in 1883 as the official auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the Woman’s Relief Corps was established to continue the aid American women had provided during the Civil War—caring for wounded soldiers and supporting their families. The WRC emerged as a unifying national organization from earlier local groups, such as Soldiers’ Aid Societies and Post Ladies’ Aid Societies.
