The United Daughters of the Confederacy presented two Meritorious Service Awards at the Confederate Grey 2681 Chapter meeting on August 8, 2024 in Hohenwald.
The two recipients were Lindy Neal Hester of Lobelville and Arthur Davison (David) Hester of Linden. Both served their country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Meritorious Service awards are given to soldiers who, in wartime, have demonstrated exemplary courage and loyalty through faithful devotion and patriotic military service, bringing honor to themselves and to one of their Confederate ancestors.
This award recognizes individuals in the United States Armed Forces who are direct or collateral descendants of Confederate soldiers or sailors (CSA 1861 to 1865).
Both Lindy and David are great-nephews of Captain James Monroe Davidson, Company B, 14th (Powers) Arkansas Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America.
Sergeant Major Lindy Hester served honorably for over twenty years, including deployments to both Germany and Vietnam.
Private David Hester served honorably for one year and completed his service in Vietnam.
The Meritorious Service Award was established at the 108th UDC Annual General Meeting in Columbia, South Carolina in 2001. The bronze medal is in the shape of a shield with thirteen stars representing the thirteen Confederate states.
The words “Meritorious Service,” the U.S. flag, the First Confederate flag, and the dates 1861 to 1865 are surrounded by a laurel wreath symbolizing remembrance.

PHOTO: MERITABLE SERVICE: Johnnia Elkins, UDC military service awards recorder, Confederate President Darlene Johns Gray, Meritorious Service Award recipients Lindy Hester and David Hester, and Teela Garrett, second vice president of the UDC Tennessee Division.