Why No Confederate Soldiers?
Although authorized by legislation of the Confederate Congress, and approved by President Davis in October 1862, no Confederate Medals of Honor were ever issued to soldiers. Due to financial pressures, metal and other shortages, and opposition from some persons in authority (probably including General R. E. Lee), nominations were not acted upon. There is no question that there were many Southern soldiers who would have qualified, and should have been recognized with such a medal. As an alternative, a Roll of Honor was established by legislation. This Roll was to contain the names of deserving soldiers selected one-per-company by their peers at each engagement. This was apparently only sparingly utilized, notable exceptions being Chickamauga and Murfreesboro in the West. There appear to be only 3 Regiments represented in the Roll published after Sharpsburg. In the more recent past, the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), an organization of descendents of Confederate Veterans, has reintr
