John Auten Memorial Medal 

Description

John Auten Memorial Medal 

First Union Soldier from Indiana Killed, 1861 

 

A scarce and historically significant John Auten memorial medal, commemorating John Auten, recognized as the first Union soldier from Indiana killed during the Civil War.

 

The bronze planchet features a finely rendered portrait of Auten in uniform, accompanied by the raised inscription:

FIRST UNION SOLDIER
FROM INDIANA
KILLED
1861

The name “JOHN AUTEN” is prominently cast along the lower border. The medal is suspended from its original red ribbed ribbon, which remains intact. The bronze exhibits an undisturbed, even patina, with crisp details throughout the portrait and lettering.

John Auten, a private in the 7th Indiana Infantry, was mortally wounded in June 1861, becoming a powerful early symbol of Indiana’s sacrifice at the outset of the war. Medals honoring Auten were produced for remembrance and patriotic display, making surviving examples both historically important and increasingly scarce, particularly in complete condition with original ribbon.

An exceptional piece of early Civil War memorialization, this medal bridges wartime sacrifice and postwar remembrance. 

 

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with black velvet and descriptive card. 

 

Inventory Number: VET 385