So Much Loss, Posted on April 8, 2026

This medal was awarded posthumously to James Edwin Scott, son of Robert W. and Lizzie H. Scott. It was one of more than 80,000 awarded by the State of North Carolina to honor those who served in the first World War.

James Edwin, or “Ed” as he was called, was born on February 15, 1889, and grew up in Alamance County, North Carolina, on his father’s farm.

Ed was 28 years old when he enlisted. He was older than the average volunteer, but his desire was to serve his country, nonetheless.

He enlisted in the Army in the fall of 1918 and had just started basic training at Camp A. A. Humphreys, Virginia ,when the Spanish Flu epidemic took his life on October 8, 1918.

Ed’s family, especially his father, Robert, was devastated by this loss. The body was returned to the family via train and taken directly to the cemetery at Hawfields Presbyterian Church. He was buried in his uniform.

Ed’s father petitioned for a service medal, the one we see pictured here, to honor his son. The Scott Family Collection is proud to display it.