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Category: United States

The Army Commendation Medal

The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level U.S. military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.

The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration that is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own version of this medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army after December 6, 1941, distinguished themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement or service. The medal can also be awarded to a member of another branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or of a friendly foreign nation who, after June 1, 1962, distinguishes themselves by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or significant meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to the friendly nation and the United States.

The Army Commendation Medal Design

The medallion of the Army Commendation Medal is a bronze hexagon, 1​3⁄8 inches wide. On the obverse of the medallion is an American bald eagle with wings spread horizontally, grasping in its talons three crossed arrows. On its breast is a shield paly of thirteen pieces and a chief.

The reverse bears a panel for naming between the words FOR MILITARY above and MERIT below, all placed above a laurel sprig. The ribbon is 1​3⁄8 inches wide, primarily of myrtle green. It is edged in white, and in the center are five thin white stripes spaced equally apart.

Devices:
  • Oak leaf cluster (for subsequent awards)
  • “V” Device (for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy)
Combat Commendations:
 
  • “C” Device (for meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions. Unofficially called the Combat Commendation. Retroactive Awards are not authorized for medals awarded before 7 January 2016) 
  • “R” Device (for direct and immediate impact on combat operations from a remote location) 

Other Commendation Medals

The different versions of the Commendation Medal in the United States military are typically associated with specific branches of service. While the criteria for receiving the Commendation Medal remain similar across branches, the designs may vary to reflect the unique identity and traditions of each service.

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The Joint Service Commendation Medal

The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or service.

The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a military decoration of the United States that is presented for meritorious service and/or sustained acts of heroism. It is a mid-level decoration, which each branch of the Armed Forces having its own version.

The medal was established on 25 June 1963. It is given in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the United States Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves in a joint duty capacity. The award i designed to recognize senior service and precedes server-specific Commendation Medals (therefore, it’s worn above them in the uniform).

How Many Commendation Medals Are There?

Each branch of the United States Armed Forces issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense. These are:

Joint Service Commendation Medal Devices

There is a Commendation Medal with “V” Device or Combat “V” given for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy. It is of a lesser degree than the Bronze Star Medal. A “C” Device or Combat “C” was created on January 7, 2016 for wear on the service and suspension ribbon of the Commendation Medal (it’s awarded for meritorious service or achievement under arduous combat conditions; for example, when someone was personally exposed to hostile action. The Operational Distinguishing Device (or “O” device)can be worn on the Coast Guard Commendation Medal upon approval. Its Order of Precedence is following the Air Medal but before the Prisoner of War Medal and all campaign medals. 

The Joint Service Commendation Medal Design

The Commendation Medal consisted of, initially, just a service ribbon awarded to the Navy and Coast Guard (1943). In 1949, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Commendation ribbons were renamed to the “Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant,” but by 1960 the ribbons were changed into full medals.

The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal are gold, with silver 5/16 inch stars to denote additional awards.

Additional awards are denoted by bronze and silver oak leaf clusters.

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The Air Force and Space Force Commendation Medal

The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism and service.

The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration that is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own version of this medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

The U.S. Air Force began issuing its own Air Force Commendation Medal in 1958, with additional awards denoted by oak leaf clusters. Prior to this time, USAF recipients received the Army Commendation Medal. It was not until 1996 that the “V” device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal; prior to 1996, there was not a valor distinction in effect for the Air Force Commendation Medal. On January 7, 2016, the “C” device and “R” device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal as well. For USAF enlisted personnel, the Air Force Commendation Medal is worth three points under the Air Force enlisted promotion system.

The Air Force Commendation Medal is awarded to both American and foreign military personnel of any service branch in the U.S. military grade of O-6 and below, the NATO grade of OF-5 and below, or of any other Allied or Coalition nation in the grade of Colonel or equivalent or below, or the naval grade of Captain or equivalent or below, who have performed noteworthy service in any capacity with the United States Air Force.

The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal Design

The Air Force Commendation Medal is a bronze hexagonal medallion. On the medallion is a shield surmounted by an eagle superimposed over clouds. On the shield bears a pair of flyer’s wings and a vertical baton with an eagle’s claw at either end; behind the shield are eight lightning bolts. The design on the shield is derived from the Seal of the Department of the Air Force. The ribbon of the Air Force Commendation Medal is golden yellow with blue edges. In the center are three bands of blue, the outer stripes are thin with the center stripe being wider.

Devices:
  • Oak leaf cluster (for subsequent awards)
  • “V” device (for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy)
  • “C” device (for meritorious service in direct contact with an enemy)
  • “R” device (for employment of a remote weapon system during military operations)

Other Commendation Medals

The different versions of the Commendation Medal in the United States military are typically associated with specific branches of service. While the criteria for receiving the Commendation Medal remain similar across branches, the designs may vary to reflect the unique identity and traditions of each service.

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The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal

The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism and service.

The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration that is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own version of this medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

After the First World War, the Department of the Navy authorized the Navy Commendation Star, a ribbon device to be placed on the World War I Victory Medal. An independent Navy Commendation Ribbon was established in November 1943. On 22 March 1950 a metal pendant (of the same design as the pendant of the Army Commendation Medal) was authorized and the Commendation Ribbon was renamed the Navy Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant. This award was re-designated as the Navy Commendation Medal in September 1960, and renamed the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in 1994.

In contrast to the Army and the Air Force, in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal has historically considered its commendation medal to be a higher level and less frequently awarded decoration.

The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Design

The Commendation Medal was originally only a service ribbon and was first awarded by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard in 1943. An Army Commendation Ribbon followed in 1945, and in 1949, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Commendation ribbons were renamed the “Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant”. By 1960, the Commendation Ribbons had been authorized as full medals and were subsequently referred to as Commendation Medals.

Additional awards of the Army and Air Force Commendation Medals are denoted by bronze and silver oak leaf clusters. The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Coast Guard Commendation Medal are authorized gold and silver 5/16 inch stars to denote additional awards. The Operational Distinguishing Device (“O” device) is authorized for wear on the Coast Guard Commendation Medal upon approval of the awarding authority. Order of Precedence is following the Air Medal but before the Prisoner of War Medal and all campaign medals. Each of the military services also awards separate Achievement Medals which are below the Commendation Medals in precedence.

Other Commendation Medals

The different versions of the Commendation Medal in the United States military are typically associated with specific branches of service. While the criteria for receiving the Commendation Medal remain similar across branches, the designs may vary to reflect the unique identity and traditions of each service.

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The Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)

The Distinguished Flying Cross is an American military decoration for operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is an American military decoration awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces who distinguishes himself in support of operations by “heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918.”

The first award of the Distinguished Flying Cross was made by President Calvin Coolidge on May 2, 1927, to ten aviators of the U.S. Army Air Corps 🔗 who had participated in the Army Pan American Flight which took place from December 21, 1926, to May 2, 1927. Two of the airmen died in a mid-air collision trying to land at Buenos Aires on February 26, 1927, and received their awards posthumously.
Charles Lindbergh 🔗 received the first presentation of the actual medal about a month later from Coolidge during the Washington, D.C. homecoming reception on June 11, 1927, from his trans-Atlantic flight.

The medal had hurriedly been struck and readied just for that occasion. The first Distinguished Flying Cross to be awarded to a Naval aviator was received by Commander Richard E. Byrd 🔗, USN for his trans-Atlantic flight from June 29 to July 1, 1927, from New York City to the coast of France. Byrd and his pilot Machinist Floyd Bennett 🔗 had already received the Medal of Honor for their historic flight to the North Pole on May 9, 1926.

During World War II, the medal’s award criteria varied widely depending on the theater of operations, aerial combat, and the missions accomplished. In the Pacific, commissioned officers were often awarded the DFC, while enlisted men were given the Air Medal. In Europe, some crews received it for performances throughout a tour of duty, and different criteria were used elsewhere.

The Distinguished Flying Cross in World War II

During World War II, the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) was awarded to numerous individuals for their exceptional actions and achievements in aerial combat and aviation operations. Here are a few examples of people who received the DFC for their actions during this time:

  • Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle 🔗: Jimmy Doolittle, an American aviator and Air Force general, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for leading the famous Doolittle Raid in April 1942. This daring mission involved the first U.S. air raid on the Japanese mainland, boosting American morale after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor.

  • Lieutenant Richard I. Bong 🔗: Richard I. Bong, a U.S. Army Air Forces pilot, was awarded the DFC multiple times during World War II. Bong became one of the most successful American fighter aces, achieving 40 confirmed aerial victories. His exceptional skills and bravery earned him the distinction of being the highest-scoring American ace of the war.

  • Lieutenant Colonel John C. Meyer 🔗: John C. Meyer, a fighter pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces, earned the DFC for his courageous actions during the air campaign in Europe. He was recognized for his exceptional leadership and flying skills, notably during the Battle of the Bulge, where he achieved aerial victories against German aircraft.

  • Lieutenant Colonel Robert M. Hanson 🔗: Robert M. Hanson, a Marine Corps aviator, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his extraordinary actions as a dive-bomber pilot in the Pacific Theater. He demonstrated exceptional accuracy and bravery in attacking enemy targets, notably during the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Three Naval Aviators were presented Distinguished Flying Crosses by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral George W. Anderson, USN, (right), in Pentagon ceremonies.
Three Naval Aviators were presented Distinguished Flying Crosses by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral George W. Anderson, USN, (right), in Pentagon ceremonies. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

The Distinguished Flying Cross Design

The Distinguished Flying Cross is a bronze cross pattee designed by Elizabeth Will and Arthur E. DuBois.

On the obverse is superimposed a four-bladed propeller, 1 11/16 inches in width. Five rays extend from the reentrant angles, forming a one-inch square. The reverse is blank; it is suitable for engraving the recipient’s name and rank. The cross is suspended from a rectangular bar.

The suspension and service ribbon of the medal is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 9/64 inch White 67101; 11/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 3/64 inch White 67101; center stripe 3/32 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 3/64 inch White 67101; 11/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 9/64 inch White 67101; 3/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118.

Additional awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross are shown with bronze or silver Oak Leaf Clusters for the Army and Air Force, and gold and silver ​5⁄16 Inch Stars for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps may authorize the “V” device for wear on the DFC to denote valor in combat; Navy and Marine Corps, Combat “V”.

Fin da Distinguished Flying Cross Design

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The Air Medal (USA)

The Air Medal is a decoration of the U.S. Armed Forces created in 1942 and awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement.

The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces created in 1942 by Executive Order 9158, signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

The Air Medal is awarded for a variety of accomplishments, including acts of heroism, successful completion of numerous combat missions, participation in aerial combat, or extraordinary performance of aviation duties. It recognizes the significant contributions and sacrifices made by aviators and aircrew members.

The U.S. Air Medal Criteria

The original award criteria set by an Army Policy Letter dated September 25, 1942 was for one award of the Air Medal:

  • per each naval vessel or three enemy aircraft in flight confirmed destroyed. An entire aircrew would be credited for the destruction of a ship, but only the pilot or gunner responsible would be credited for destroying an enemy aircraft.
  • per 25 operational flights during which exposure to enemy fire is expected.
  • per 100 operational flights during which exposure to enemy fire is not expected.

These criteria were altered by the commanding generals of each numbered Air Force to fit the conditions of their theater of operations and to maintain morale.

The Distinguished Flying Cross would usually be awarded for roughly twice to five times the requirements of the Air Medal. This led to automatic “score card” awards of the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross for completing a set number of operational missions rather than distinguished service, meritorious action, or bravery, as had been intended. On August 5, 1943, such score card awards were officially abolished by a Headquarters Army Air Forces Awards Board memorandum due to the embarrassment when airmen received the Air Medal for “score carding” five missions or more but were later removed from flying duties for “lack of moral fibre“. Commanders could still issue the awards on those grounds, but the recipient must perform exceptional or meritorious service as well.

During World War II, the medal’s award criteria varied widely depending on the theater of operations, the aircraft flown, and the missions accomplished. The Army may award the Air Medal for peacetime service, but approval authority is by general-grade officers at the group or brigade level or higher.

The Air Medal Design

The Air Force medal design is prescribed by law. It was created by Walker Hancock, who had competed for the design as a civilian, but prior to the award of the competition had been inducted into the army.

The Air Medal is a Bronze compass rose 1​11⁄16 inches circumscribing diameter and charged with an eagle volant carrying two lightning flashes in its talons. A fleur-de-lis at the top point holds the suspension ring. The points of the compass rose on the reverse are modeled with the central portion plain for engraving the name of the recipient.

The ribbon is 1​3⁄8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes:

  1. ​1⁄8 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118;
  2. ¼ inch Golden Orange 67109;
  3. center ​5⁄8 inch Ultramarine Blue;
  4. ¼ inch Golden Orange; and
  5. ​1⁄8 inch Ultramarine Blue.

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The Legion of Merit

The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States Armed Forces for exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding services.

The Legion of Merit (or LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces given to members of the seven uniformed services of the U.S. and  to military and political figures of foreign governments for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. It is typically awarded to Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force general officers and colonels, and Navy and Coast Guard flag officers and captains occupying senior command or very senior staff positions. Instances for officers of lesser rank are rare.

The award was created in December 24, 1941, when the Adjutant General formally requested action be initiated to create a Meritorious Service Medal and provide designs for the decoration. These were prepared by Bailey, Banks, and Biddle and given to Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel by the QMG on January 5, 1942. An act of Congress (Public Law 671—77th Congress) established the Legion of Merit on July 20, 1942.

The Legion of Merit is seventh in the order of precedence of all U.S. military awards and the only U.S. military decoration that may be issued in award degrees. It’s also one of only two U.S. military decorations to be issued as a neck order (the other being the Medal of Honor). It is worn after the Defense Superior Service Medal and before the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The Legion of Merit in History

During the Second World War, Brazilian Army Brigadier General Amaro Soares Bittencourt became the first person awarded the Legion of Merit (Commander) in October 1942. A week later, Lieutenant, junior grade Ann A. Bernatitus, a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps officer, became the first woman and the first member of the United States Armed Forces to receive the Legion of Merit. A year later, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was presented the Legion of Merit by President Roosevelt on November 26.

From 1942 to 1944, the Legion of Merit was awarded for a wide range of achievements, because it was the only decoration below the Silver Star, awarded for combat valor, and the Distinguished Service Medal for meritorious noncombat service. That was, until the Bronze Star Medal was established in 1944.

After World War II, the Legion of Merit was awarded almost exclusively to senior officers in the rank Lieutenant Colonel (Army, Marine Corps and Air Force) or Commander (Navy and Coast Guard) (O-5), and above. In 1969, the Meritorious Service Medal was established as a junior version of the Legion of Merit.

The Legion of Merit Classes

  1. Chief Commander: For Heads of state or government.
  2. Commander: For the equivalent of a U.S. military chief of staff or higher position.
  3. Officer: For Generals or flag officers below the equivalent of a U.S. military chief of staff; colonels or equivalent rank or military attachés.
  4. Legionnaire: For all recipients not included above.

The Legion of Merit Design

Medal Obverse

The Chief Commander Degree of the Legion of Merit Medal is, on a wreath of green laurel joined at the bottom by a gold bow-knot (rosette), a domed five-pointed white star bordered crimson, points reversed with v-shaped extremities tipped with a gold ball. In the center, a blue disk encircled by gold clouds, with 13 white stars arranged in the pattern that appears on the Great Seal of the United States. Between each point, within the wreath are crossed arrows pointing outwards. The overall width is 2 15⁄16 inches (75 mm).[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

The Commander Degree of the Legion of Merit Medal has a width of 2 1⁄4 inches (57 mm). In the center, a disk for engraving the name of the recipient surrounded by the words “ANNUIT COEPTIS MDCCLXXXII.” An outer scroll contains the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Medal Reverse

The reverse of all of the medals has the motto taken from the Great Seal of the United States, “ANNUIT COEPTIS” (“He [God] has favored our undertakings“) and the date “MDCCLXXXII” (1782), which is the date of America’s first decoration, the Badge of Military Merit, now known as the Purple Heart. The ribbon design also follows the pattern of the Purple Heart ribbon.

Ribbon

The ribbon for all of the decorations is 1 3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide and consists of the following stripes: 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) white; center 1 1⁄4 inches (32 mm) crimson; and 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) white.

The Chief Commander Degree, a miniature of the decoration in gold on a horizontal gold bar is worn on the service ribbon. One in silver on a horizontal silver bar is worn on the service ribbon for the Commander Degree.

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The Bronze Star Medal

The Bronze Star Medal (also known as Bronze Star) is a United States decoration awarded for heroic achievement or service in a combat zone. 

The Bronze Star Medal (also known as Bronze Star) is a United States decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Officers from the other Uniformed Services of the United States are eligible to receive this award, as are foreign soldiers who have served with or alongside a service branch of the United States Armed Forces. Civilians serving with U.S. military forces in combat are also eligible for the award.

The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (superseded by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, as amended by Executive Order 13286, 28 February 2003). Colonel Russell P. “Red” Reeder conceived the idea of the Bronze Star Medal in 1943; he believed it would aid morale if captains of companies or of batteries could award a medal to deserving people serving under them.

The Bronze Star Medal Design

The Bronze Star Medal was designed by Rudolf Freund (1878–1960) of the jewelry firm Bailey, Banks & Biddle.

The medal is a bronze star 1 1⁄2 inches (38 mm) in circumscribing diameter. In the center is a 3⁄16 inch (4.8 mm) diameter superimposed bronze star, the center line of all rays of both stars coinciding. The reverse bears the inscription “HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT“ with a space for the name of the recipient to be engraved.

The star hangs from its ribbon by a rectangular metal loop with rounded corners. 

When the medal is awarded by the Army and Air Force for acts of valor in combat, the “V” Device is authorized for wear on the medal. When the medal is awarded by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard for acts of valor or meritorious service in combat, the Combat “V” is authorized for wear on the medal.

The following ribbon devices must be specifically authorized in the award citation in order to be worn on the Bronze Star Medal, the criteria for and wear of the devices vary between the services:

  • Oak leaf cluster – In the Army and Air Force.
  • 5/16 inch star – In the Navy and Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
  • “V” device.
  • Combat “V”.

The Bronze Star During WW2

Here are some examples of individuals receiving the Bronze Star Medal for their actions during World War II:

  • General Dwight D. Eisenhower: General Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his leadership during the planning and execution of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.

  • Sergeant Audie Murphy: Audie Murphy, a highly decorated soldier and later a famous actor, received the Bronze Star Medal for his valorous actions in combat. Murphy demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership in various engagements throughout the war, including his single-handed stand against German forces in the Battle of Holtzwihr.

  • Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle: Lieutenant Colonel Doolittle, an aviation pioneer, was honored with the Bronze Star Medal for leading the daring Doolittle Raid, the first U.S. air raid on the Japanese mainland. Despite challenging circumstances, his leadership and audacity boosted American morale and dealt a blow to Japan’s strategic capabilities.

  • Private First Class Desmond Doss: Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector and combat medic, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his selfless actions during the Battle of Okinawa. Despite being under heavy enemy fire, Doss repeatedly braved danger to rescue and treat wounded soldiers, saving numerous lives.

  • Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Jr.: Lieutenant Colonel Davis, an officer in the Tuskegee Airmen, received the Bronze Star Medal for his exceptional achievements as a fighter pilot. He overcame significant adversity and discrimination to become one of the most respected and highly decorated African American officers of World War II.
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The Fidelity Medallion

The Fidelity Medallion or André Capture Medal was created in 1780 and is the oldest decoration of the United States military.

The Fidelity Medallion was created by act of the Continental Congress in 1780 and is the oldest decoration of the United States military. Also known as the “André Capture Medal“, the Fidelity Medallion was awarded to those soldiers who participated in the capture of Major John André, of the British army, who had been the contact to Benedict Arnold and had helped organize his defection.

Historical records indicate that three soldiers, all members of the militia of New York state, were awarded the Fidelity Medallion after its first issuance:

The Fidelity Medallion was never again bestowed and it quickly became regarded as a commemorative decoration. For this reason, the Badge of Military Merit is generally considered the first decoration of the U.S. military, even though it was created two years after the Fidelity Medallion, in 1782.

All three of the original Medallions were thought to be lost. Isaac Van Wart’s example was thought to be lost at the time of his death in 1828, but is actually in the hands of a descendant in Westchester County, NY. John Paulding’s and David Williams’ medallions were both donated to the New-York Historical Society in 1905 which displayed them in a locked, glass-topped case. In mid-1975, the two Medallions were stolen, along with the pocket watch originally belonging to Major John André. The Historical Society did not go public with the loss at the time, and none of the items have been recovered.

The Fidelity Medallion Design

The Fidelity Medallion measures 55mm. x 41mm. The obverse of the medallion was inscribed “Fidelity“; the reverse, with the motto, “Amor Patriæ Vincit“, which means, “The love of country conquers.”

In the two centuries since the original Fidelity Medallions were issued, replicas have occasionally been produced in metals including silver, pewter, lead and bronze and in varying degrees of historical accuracy. The American Numismatic Society has six different specimens in their collection.

The Badge of Military Merit

The Badge of Military Merit is considered the first military award of the U.S. Armed Forces. Its official successor is The Purple Heart.

The Badge of Military Merit is considered the first military award of the United States Armed Forces. The Purple Heart is its official successor decoration.

The Badge of Military Merit was first announced in General George Washington‘s general orders to the Continental Army issued on August 7, 1782 at the Headquarters in Newburgh. Designed by Washington in the form of a purple heart, it was intended as a military order for soldiers who exhibited, “not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way.”

This is thought to be the first time in modern history that military awards had been presented to common soldiers. The practice in Europe was to honor high-ranking officers who had achieved victory, rather than honoring common soldiers. But in America, as General Washington said, the “road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is…open to all.”

Most historians indicate that only three people received the Badge of Military Merit during the American Revolutionary War, all of them non-commissioned officers, and the only ones who received the award from General Washington himself.

Those soldiers are:

On May 3, 1783

On June 10, 1783

Of the Badge of Military Merit, Washington said:

The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward. Before this favour can be conferred on any man, the particular fact, or facts, on which it is to be grounded must be set forth to the Commander in chief accompanied with certificates from the Commanding officers of the regiment and brigade to which the Candadate for reward belonged, or other incontestable proofs, and upon granting it, the name and regiment of the person with the action so certified are to be enrolled in the book of merit which will be kept at the orderly office. Men who have merited this last distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinals which officers are permitted to do. The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all. This order is also to have retrospect to the earliest stages of the war, and to be considered as a permanent one.

The Badge of Military Merit Medal Design

The medal was designed by Washington in the form of a purple heart. The writings of General Washington indicate that three badges, two Honorary Badges of Distinction and a Badge of Military Merit, were created on August 7, 1782. 

Brown’s badge (image above) was found in a Deerfield, New Hampshire barn in the 1920s. There is disagreement in published sources about what became of Brown’s badge after that. A badge on display at the American Independence Museum in Exeter, New Hampshire on behalf of the Society of the Cincinnati, New Hampshire Branch is stated to be Brown’s. Other sources say that Brown’s badge was reported lost in 1924 while in the possession of Bishop Paul Matthews, and that the badge on display in Exeter belongs to a fourth, unknown recipient.

As of 2015, Churchill’s badge was owned by the National Temple Hill Association and on display at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site. Churchill’s badge was rediscovered when H. E. Johnson, a Michigan farmer and one of Churchill’s descendants, wrote to the National Temple Hill Association about the badge.

Bissell’s badge was reportedly lost when his house burned in July 1813.