Alongside Daniel Morgan and William Washington, Congress recognized John Eager Howard for his leadership at the Battle of Cowpens. Leading a group of Maryland soldiers, he helped defeat the British and collected the swords of seven British officers who surrendered to him.
Engraved by Benjamin Duvivier, this medal shows Howard riding on horseback with his sword raised as he chases an enemy soldier. A winged Victory flies above him. On the reverse, a laurel wreath surrounds Latin text: “By suddenly charging the wavering line of the enemy, he provided an example of conspicuous military bravery at Cowpens, January 17, 1781.”
