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The Order of Saint Barbara is a military honor society of the US for both the US Army and the US Marine Corps Artillery, including Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery.
Contents
The award is named for Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen. Saint Barbara day falls on December 4 and is traditionally recognized by a formal Dining-In or military ball, often involving presentations of the Order of Saint Barbara.
Background
Saint Barbara, the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat, was tortured and executed after her father discovered she had converted to Christianity. Legend has it that after her father executed her, he was struck down by lightning in divine retribution. Because of this, she soon was regarded as the patron saint in time of danger from thunderstorms, fires and sudden death. She became the patron saint of artillerymen from early on in the development of artillery pieces as early cannons were unreliable, and at times would explode wounding and killing their crews. Saint Barbara was invoked by these early cannoneers in the hope she would protect them from this fate.
Levels
The Order of Saint Barbara is awarded through the U.S. Field Artillery Association (USFAA) and the Air Defense Artillery Association (ADAA) and has two levels:
Saint Barbara medallion
Those awarded the Order of Saint Barbara receive a medallion attached to a red ribbon. The medallion for the Honorable Order is silver, the Ancient Order has a gold colored medallion. One side of the medallion has a cannon, the other a likeness of Saint Barbara standing by a tower with three windows. The medallion will be worn with the cannon side facing the chest and the bust of Saint Barbara facing out and in view. The Order of Saint Barbara should be worn only at Artillery functions such as Saint Barbara’s Day celebrations, Artillery balls or Artillery dinings-in and dinings-out. Commanders, O-6 and above, may designate other occasions for wear as appropriate.
Molly Pitcher
The Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher is also bestowed by the U.S. Field Artillery Association (USFAA) and the Air Defense Artillery Association (ADAA) to recognize women who have voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the U.S. Field Artillery or Air Defense Artillery Communities. The approval is reserved for O-5 Field Artillery commanders when no O-6 commander is available. They may approve the award for those in or associated with their commands. When there is no such Field Artillery commander available, the Commanding General of the United States Army Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill is the approving authority.