Saddle Blisters
Continuing with part three of the two part series:
As the Military Badge of Merit fell into disuse, the idea of a decoration for individual gallantry remained early in the nineteenth century. After the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, 1847, a Certificate of Merit” was instituted for the soldier who distinguished himself in action, with no associated medal. The certificate was abandoned following the War, leaving a void recognizing the nation’s fighting men.
A medal for individual valor was proposed early in the Civil War utilizing the lessons of the Purple Heart; however, the General-in-Chief of the Army Winfield Scott felt medals demonstrated European pretentiousness and refused the idea. The proposal found support in the Navy and President Abraham Lincoln, on 21 December, 1861, signed into law a Navy Medal of Valor to be bestowed upon Petty Officers, Seamen, Landsmen, and Marines. Signed into law on 12 July, 1862, a resolution worded similarly for awarding a Medal of Honor on behalf of the Army. In 1863, Congress made them permanent decorations.
Reach
As the Military Badge of Merit fell into disuse, the idea of a decoration for individual gallantry remained early in the nineteenth century. After the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, 1847, a Certificate of Merit” was instituted for the soldier who distinguished himself in action, with no associated medal. The certificate was abandoned following the War, leaving a void recognizing the nation’s fighting men.
A medal for individual valor was proposed early in the Civil War utilizing the lessons of the Purple Heart; however, the General-in-Chief of the Army Winfield Scott felt medals demonstrated European pretentiousness and refused the idea. The proposal found support in the Navy and President Abraham Lincoln, on 21 December, 1861, signed into law a Navy Medal of Valor to be bestowed upon Petty Officers, Seamen, Landsmen, and Marines. Signed into law on 12 July, 1862, a resolution worded similarly for awarding a Medal of Honor on behalf of the Army. In 1863, Congress made them permanent decorations.
Reach
posted by Reach | 10:00 AM
8 Comments:
Reach,
In the police busines we had a banquet in the Christams season of each year. That was the time when medals and awards were handed out.
I did receive some, including a Medal of Valor for rescuing a family from a gunman. I cherish that medal.
However, my lasting impression of those times is that the stories told by the Chief before he would award a medal is what struck at our conciousness. Hence the award exists in fact as an object, but the reason and the story behind it's award often become lost.
That has set me thinking about the need for a writer or teller of stories like yourself to articulate these awards. Wouldn't it be wonderful to present a small book or 'story' professionally written with every one of these awards?
Thank you for the well written history tour.
Seven,
I thank you, for your response is a signal to me, as to my return.
My recent promotion was mainly due to the Awards I had authored for my Comrads at arms. With over 300 submissions under my belt, I felt the need to learn more than "Military Writing" skills. I will say, my goal for these posts, was to hopefully create curiousity in my reader. And, with your response, you have created curiousity in me; please, if you would honor us with your situation leading up to you being honored.
Reach
Hey Reach,
I guess it is our tendency in the service business to downplay our service, isn't it?.... so I don't really bring the medals thing up to people or in conversation situations, only brought it up to support your idea that it is very meaningful to the recepient.
The situation I was involved in was a shooter that had killed another man (domestic dispute) at the end of the deceased's street then retreated into a home where he held a family of husband, wife and 2 kids with him. I was a member of our special ops team at the time in addition to being the first responding officer to the call. After an 8 hour standoff a small 3 member ops team made a 'quiet' entrance through a rear door (under darkness) thanks to an ops individual with locks skills. Bad boy became aware at one point of our clearing work but rather than standing and fighting he ran for the attic. We pulled him out after yet another protracted hours long negotitaton. And...we had to go into the attic to get him; and did quite literally 'PULL' him out.. thankfully he had run into the attic unarmed. The imporatant point was the family was rescued and shooter brought to justice. (life term in Texas prison) That is why the Chief felt we deserved recognition.
Whew...brings back memories of a long long day and night!
Ya, I understand those long days. I'm certain as he ran for the attack, you got a clear impression of his mind set and outcome desires. I know training kicks in, but thank god I have not been placed in that situation, for a flanked entry. I can only imagine the your senses and the peaks they were going through.
As for the recipients, you are correct, as they relive the scenario it is but only a memory. Maybe haunted, but still a memory. I believe, the material possesion of the medal affords the opportunity of shared experiences, and that is a focus.
Reach
Wow, Lincoln and Washington both made medals. Any other extremely popular presidents do that?
I like that it's part three of a two part story.
Great story Seven, it's good to hear about bravery from police.
Girl, I am doing well and I do continue to stop by your site. Let me know of your changes, 'K?
Reach
T.H.,
I have spent two days researching and have not found another Medal, designed by a President. I have found a number of award designs requested by other Presidents.
If you, or anybody else, has knowledge of another Medal, designed by a President, I would truly be interrested.
Reach
Dear Reach...very interesting Reach. I've been swamped and not able to blog around lately. I enjoyed the stop here, as usual.
Ciao dude...hope you're doing well.
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