Uruguay: Medal of General Gomez and the Defense of Paysandu 1864-1865, Type 1 for Sale

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Uruguay: Medal of General Gomez and the Defense of Paysandu 1864-1865, Type 1 For Sale

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Uruguay: Medal of General Gomez and the Defense of Paysandu 1864-1865, Type 1:
$200.00

Uruguay: Medal of General Gomez and the Defense of Paysandu1864-1865, Type 1. Scarce silvered bronze medal awarded to Uruguayan soldiersthat participated in the siege of Paysandu from 3 December 1864 to 2 January1865 (see Ross, Robert L. and Stahl,Alan M. From a Thankful Nation: LatinAmerican Medals & Orders in the Robert L. Ross Collection PrincetonUniversity (2014) Uy5a, pp. 655-657; see also Gillingham, Harrold E. South American Decorations andWar Medals (1932; 1970 reprint) p.166). The siege of Paysandu occurredduring the Uruguayan Civil War (aka the War Against Aguirre) that pitted theUruguayan Colorado political faction against the Uruguayan Blanco politicalfaction. The Colorado faction was aided by troops from Brazil in an effort tooverthrow the Blanco government led by President Atanasio Aguirre. The government/Blanco troops garrisoned atPaysandu were besieged by Colorado and Brazilian troops, which greatlyoutnumbered the defenders. It was reported that during the siege, the Paysanducommander, General Leandro Gomez, beheaded forty Colorados and fifteenBrazilian prisoners, and \"hung their still-dripping heads above histrenches in full view of their compatriots.\" While Gomez was able to repelseveral assaults, the Colorado/Brazilian forces overran the defenses on 2January 1865 and captured the city. Gomezwas captured and was executed along with several of his senior officers. Themedal is in extremely fine condition, on an older light blue ribbon, which ismost likely the correct ribbon. Authenticityguaranteed; 14-day return privilege (30 days overseas), excluding postage,provided item is returned in same condition when sold. Items will be shippedUSPS Frist Class Mail; will combine postage for multiple purchases.