Back in the Saddle, again......
Hello All,
This post is of a subject I hold dear and fully respect. Most Americans, to include myself, do not completely understand most foundations of our country. Considering the length of this post, it is my plan to make this in two parts. The following is only an establishment of my thoughts on this topic.
As part of my promotion process, I was required to attend the Academy and study portions of their curriculum. The following is information that I had learned and shared in one such class.
Having been the European practice to honor high-ranking officers who achieved a victory, the Aristocracy never considered presenting medals or badges to the regular soldier for valor, courage, or extraordinary service. Not surprising, the first awards for valor accessible to the conventional soldier was presented here in America.
The first and original highest Award for Valor by a Continental Congress Resolution was the Andre Medal, for the capture of Major John Andre. Major Andre, General Arnold’s British counterpart, became well known and respected by his captures, as he treated all personnel with respect and maintained the perfect Military Bearing in capture, captivity, and death.
Long recognizing the need to award those soldiers who distinguished themselves in honorable service and in combat; General Washington, two years later issued orders establishing two new decorations. The second award, “The Military Badge of Merit” was created to reward both soldiers and officers for “Singularly Meritorious Service in the occasion of unusual gallantry, extraordinary fidelity and faithful service”; and, is the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Those soldiers so decorated would have their names entered in the Continental Army’s special “Book of Merit”; and in today’s military, such honors are reserved for the famed “Medal of Honor”.
So, am I back on track?
Reach
This post is of a subject I hold dear and fully respect. Most Americans, to include myself, do not completely understand most foundations of our country. Considering the length of this post, it is my plan to make this in two parts. The following is only an establishment of my thoughts on this topic.
As part of my promotion process, I was required to attend the Academy and study portions of their curriculum. The following is information that I had learned and shared in one such class.
Having been the European practice to honor high-ranking officers who achieved a victory, the Aristocracy never considered presenting medals or badges to the regular soldier for valor, courage, or extraordinary service. Not surprising, the first awards for valor accessible to the conventional soldier was presented here in America.
The first and original highest Award for Valor by a Continental Congress Resolution was the Andre Medal, for the capture of Major John Andre. Major Andre, General Arnold’s British counterpart, became well known and respected by his captures, as he treated all personnel with respect and maintained the perfect Military Bearing in capture, captivity, and death.
Long recognizing the need to award those soldiers who distinguished themselves in honorable service and in combat; General Washington, two years later issued orders establishing two new decorations. The second award, “The Military Badge of Merit” was created to reward both soldiers and officers for “Singularly Meritorious Service in the occasion of unusual gallantry, extraordinary fidelity and faithful service”; and, is the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Those soldiers so decorated would have their names entered in the Continental Army’s special “Book of Merit”; and in today’s military, such honors are reserved for the famed “Medal of Honor”.
So, am I back on track?
Reach
posted by Reach | 7:33 PM
2 Comments:
That's cool, I just read something about the medal of honor the other day. I've never heard of the Andre Medal though.
Due to the fact of only three qualified members achievement, and the wording of the medal, it was not widely published. However, the lessons learned from the Andre Medal, and its significance in todays Awards and Decorations program, it remains a foundation for our submission process.
Reach
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