Designed by Brigadier General George A. Custer, the medal is constructed of gold-tone brass with a blue enamel trim featuring a single gold brigadier's star with the Maltese cross. Cast into the center of the Maltese cross is the name "Custer" and at the bottom is the Latin word "Tuebor" meaning "I will defend" which appears on the Michigan state seal adopted in 1836 and was meant to recognize the role of Michigan's citizens fighting in the War of 1812. A copy of this medal also appears on the Michigan Cavalry Monument on the Gettysburg Battlefield. The overall length of the beautiful, high quality reproduction is appx. 1.5” (65mm) long x 1” (25mm), across.
