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The Texas Chapter #5 Military Order of the Stars & Bars |
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The Texas Chapter, Military Order of the Stars & Bars, the first chapter in Texas, was chartered on June 30, 1970, in Houston, Texas. In those days MOS&B chapters affiliated with SCV Camps and the Texas Chapter affiliated with the now defunct Dick Dowling camp #1305.
There were 38 members of the MOS&B came together to form this once great chapter. A number of notable Texans were among this group including Msgr. Anton Frank of the Houston-Galveston Diocese and two future Commander-In-Chiefs of the MOS&B, Dennis W. Rainoshek and Dr. Ralph W. Widener, Jr. One of the charter members is our current Adjutant-General, Dr. Toni R. Turk. About ten years ago this chapter ceased to exist because of attrition.
Albert Sidney Johnston Chapter #5 of Houston, Texas, was formed shortly after The Texas Chapter and was affiliated with the Albert Sidney Johnston Camp #67, SCV. Two heritage organizations with the same name in the same city have always caused confusion. ASJ#5 has been the largest chapter in the MOS&B for several years and is also one of the most active. It was decided at the recent business meeting to change the name of the ASJ#5 to The Texas Chapter #5 for two reasons: 1) eliminate the similar name confusion with the local SCV camp and 2) restore the great traditions of the Texas Chapter.
When the Texas Chapter first organized the idea was conceived to present a replica of the Davis Guard Medal to any person who made a substantial contribution to preserving Southern Heritage. The Davis Guard Medal was the only medal awarded by the CSA during the War Between the States. It was given to Lt. Dick Dowling and his small group of men who defeated the Yankees as they attempted to invade Texas at Sabine Pass. The Davis Guard Medal that the old Texas Chapter presented is similar in intent to the Ron Aldis Award that was conceived after Ron’s death several years ago. These two honors will be merged into one. We have a list of all the past recipients of the Davis Guard Award and it looks like a Who’s Who of great Texas compatriots. Included on that list of 33 are Dr. Frank Vandiver, Ralph Green, Charles Smith, Pete Orlebeke, Jim Vogler, several UDC presidents, and Dr. William McCain, to mention a few.
It is the intent of ASJ#5, now the Texas Chapter #5, to restore the honor and greatness of this Chapter and the honor of the men who put the Texas Chapter in the forefront of the Military Order of the Stars & Bars.
David G. Whitaker, DCS (Distinguished Commander Status) Past Commander MOS&B Chief of Staff |
