State Guard Association of Texas Decorations
The decorations are:
Eligibility and Guidelines
- Active, retired, and honorably discharged members of the Texas State Guard are eligible for nomination for the Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin Decorations.
- Active, retired, and honorably discharged members of the Texas State Guard and civilians are eligible for nomination for the William B. Travis, James Bowie, Juan Seguin, Almaron Dickinson, and the Jesse Billingsley Medals.
- The Travis and Bowie Medals may be presented to any individual, living or deceased, or organization, military or civilian who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Texas Military Department with emphasis on the State Guard of Texas.
- The Seguin Medal is specifically presented for an act of valor.
- The Dickinson and Billingsley Medals are for levels of achievement and/or excellence ranging from service over a period of time or may be for achievement in a specific event.
- The Susanna Dickinson Decoration (a rosette) is presented only to non-Texas State Guard persons who have provided support to the State of Texas, Texas Military Department, Texas State Guard or the State Guard Association of Texas.
The deeds of the nominated individual, or organization must have been of such magnitude to reflect great credit on the Texas Military Department, the Texas State Guard and the citizens of Texas.
The Decorations
The Sam Houston Superior Service Medal
The Sam Houston Superior Service Medal of the State Guard Association of Texas is considered the highest and most prestigious of all decorations granted by the State Guard Association of Texas. It is presented only to an active, retired, or honorably discharged member of the Texas State Guard for superior service furthering the aims and goals of the nation, state, community, and the State Guard Association of Texas. The nominee must be considered a visionary whose distinguished service was conducted with the highest military standards of integrity, leadership, patriotism and professionalism.
Stephen F. Austin Distinguished Service Medal
Considered the second highest decoration granted by the State Guard Association of Texas. It recognizes distinguished service furthering the aims and goals of the nation, state, community, and the association. Reserved for active, retired, or honorably discharged members who demonstrate the highest military standards of integrity, leadership, patriotism and professionalism.
William B. Travis Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded by the State Guard Association of Texas for meritorious service furthering the aims and goals of the State of Texas, Texas Military Department, Texas State Guard or the State Guard Association of Texas. The nominee must have demonstrated loyalty and a commitment to the organization mission, reflecting the highest military standard of leadership and integrity.
James Bowie Commendation Medal
Awarded for excellent service that furthered the aims of the State of Texas, the Texas Military Department, the Texas State Guard or the State Guard Association of Texas. Nominees will have demonstrated humanitarianism through generosity of time and self and whose noteworthy service was conducted with the highest military standard of leadership and organizational ability.
Juan Seguin Distinguished Achievement Medal
Presented for distinguished achievement demonstrated for an act of valor which resulted in life-saving action or the prevention of death or injury. This decoration could also be presented to a person who assisted in a lifesaving or injury prevention act.
Almaron Dickinson Achievement Medal
Awarded for sustained achievement in the performance of service that furthered the aims of the State of Texas, Texas Military Department, Texas State Guard or the State Guard Association of Texas. The nominee must have demonstrated sustained humanitarianism through the individual's generosity of time and self.
Jesse Billingsley Excellence Medal
Awarded for excellent service that furthered the aims of the State of Texas, the Texas Military Department, the Texas State Guard or the State Guard Association of Texas. The nominee will have demonstrated excellence through the individual's generosity of time and self.
The Susanna Dickinson Decoration
Presented to non-Texas State Guard members, civilians, or organizations for supporting the mission of the State of Texas, the Texas Military Department, the Texas State Guard or the State Guard Association of Texas.
State Guard Association of Texas Medal
Recognizes individuals who are members in good standing. Only members whose dues are current are authorized to wear the medal or service ribbon. Life members may wear a bronze hourglass device worn centered on the suspension ribbon.
Subsequent Awards and Devices
- Sam Houston Superior Service Medal: No subsequent awards authorized.
- Stephen F. Austin Medal: Initial award denoted by a white enameled star; subsequent awards denoted by additional white stars (maximum of three).
- Travis, Bowie, and Seguin Medals: Subsequent awards denoted by bronze service stars; a silver star is worn instead of five bronze stars.
- Dickinson and Billingsley Medals: Subsequent awards denoted by bronze oak leaf clusters; a silver cluster is worn instead of five bronze clusters.
- SGATX Medal: Life members may wear a bronze hourglass; life members of the former Texas State Guard Association may wear a gold hourglass.
Instructions for Nomination
Download both the SGATX Decorations Program document and the SGATX Awards Recommendation form below and read each thoroughly to determine which award is most appropriate for the person you are nominating, and for detailed instructions on submitting the recommendation.