Hispanics in the American Civil War done to organize the Confederate regular army. Amongst the Confederate units, who either had a significant number of Hispanics or were composed entirely of Hispanics were the 5th Regiment (Spanish Regiment) of the "European Brigade", "Cazadores Espanoles Regiment" and the "Louisiana Tigers", all from Louisiana; the "Spanish Guards" and the "55th Infantry" both from Alabama and "Florida's 2nd Infantry". Hispanics held various grades of ranks in the military, the highest being full Admiral of the Union Navy. Three Hispanics were awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration for heroism awarded by the United States. Hispanic women also participated,
Hasta pura (military decoration) calls the decoration an "arrow without a head", and refers to its award to Balbilus. Hasta pura (military decoration) The hasta pura or hasta donatica was a decoration for merit, awarded in Ancient Rome. The Roman sources do not concur about the precise character of the decoration. Some call it a decoration for valour, others mention that it had been awarded to civilians. The "hasta" was a thrusting weapon that was not thrown as were the later "pilum", "verutum" and "lancea". A "hasta pura" was a spear made "without iron" and was in the earliest times the reward of a