1944 Archbishop Francis Spellman Soldier's Medal

During 1943-1945, Archbishop Spellman as Military Vicar to the Armed Forces of the United States, made several overseas tours to visit U.S. servicemen in Ireland, England, Italy, and the Philippines. To commemorate his visits, the Archbishop gave out books, rosaries, and medals including this 44mm bronze medal, which may have been reserved for dignitaries. Obverse reads, FRANC SPELLMAN ARCHIEP NEOEB ORDINARIVS MIL EXERCITVS FOEDERAT AMERICAE CIVITATVM (“Francis Spellman Archbishop of New York, Regular Soldier of the Army of the United States of America.”) Reverse reads CARITAS CHRISTI VRGET NOS (“The love of Christ compels us.") Lovely, brown Unc.