Private John Stray, 1st Regiment New York Engineers, Gillmore Medal. A small brass medal, 35mm in diameter, awarded to Private Stray of Company G of the 1st NYVE. The medal is engraved with an image of Fort Sumter, dated August 23, 1863, surrounded by stars at the medal edges. The medal is attached to a small metal plate, which has the soldier's name and regiment. On verso the medal reads, "For Gallant and Meritorious Conduct Presented by Q.A. Gillmore Maj. Genl." Private Stray enlisted at the age of 42 on October 14, 1861 and was mustered into Company G of the 1st New York Engineers. After his service was up, he reenlisted on March 1, 1864 and was promoted to Artificer. He survived the war and was mustered out on July 19, 1865. Stray manned the batteries on Morris Island during the first and second bombardments of Fort Sumter and is reported to have provided vital service there. On October 28, 1863, Major General Quincy A. Gillmore issued an order creating "medals of honor for gallantry and meritorious conduct during the operations before Charleston" and awarding them to enlisted men of his command who had been in action in the batteries and trenches. The medal, designed by Ball, Black, and Company of New York, was suspended by a swivel from a metal clasp. Since the Gillmore Medal was issued on the local authority of General Gillmore, it was considered an unofficial decoration by the United States Army, but was permitted for wear on a military uniform. From the Bret J. Formichi American Civil War Rarities Collection. Condition: The pinback of the medal is missing. The medal itself shows some signs of wear such as minor scratching and rubbing. Minor verdigris on verso. Overall very good. HID03101242017