A Short History of United States Medals
Origins of U.S. Medals and Orders
The concept of awarding medals in America began during the Revolutionary War. Though many early American leaders were cautious about creating an aristocratic or European-like system of honors, there was a need to recognize acts of bravery and service that bolstered the young nation. Thus, the idea of military decorations and civilian awards started taking shape.
The first American military decoration was the Badge of Military Merit, established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782. This simple purple cloth badge, decorated with a heart, was awarded to soldiers who displayed exceptional bravery in battle. While the badge was awarded only three times and eventually fell out of use, it laid the foundation for what would become the Purple Heart, one of the most recognized U.S. military awards.
Medals of Honor in the Civil War
The outbreak of the Civil War marked a turning point in the formalization of military awards in the United States. In 1861, Congress authorized the creation of the Medal of Honor for the U.S. Navy, followed shortly by a similar version for the Army in 1862. The Medal of Honor was designed to be awarded to soldiers who exhibited extreme bravery in combat. By the end of the Civil War, nearly 1,500 Medals of Honor had been awarded, setting a precedent for future military honors.
As the highest military decoration in the United States, the Medal of Honor remains an enduring symbol of extraordinary heroism. Over the years, it has undergone various design changes, with separate versions for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The Medal of Honor is bestowed sparingly, symbolizing unparalleled courage in the face of danger.
Expansion of Military and Civilian Awards
As the United States grew, so did its system of military and civilian awards. By the turn of the 20th century, new medals were established to recognize service in specific conflicts, such as the Indian Campaign Medal and the Spanish Campaign Medal. The tradition of creating specific campaign medals continued throughout the 20th century with World War I, World War II, and later conflicts like the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.
During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the Legion of Merit to recognize both U.S. and allied military personnel for exceptional conduct and achievements in the war effort. This award, unique for its multi-tiered structure (including degrees such as Commander, Officer, and Legionnaire), broadened the scope of American military honors and became one of the few U.S. awards open to foreign nationals.
Civilian honors also developed during this period. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1945, was initially awarded to civilians for their role in the war effort but was later expanded by President John F. Kennedy to recognize outstanding contributions to American society in various fields, including the arts, sciences, and public service.
The Evolution of Distinguished Service Awards
Throughout the 20th century, the United States established a variety of awards to honor distinguished military service. These included the Silver Star for acts of gallantry, the Bronze Star for heroism or meritorious service, and the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross as awards for extreme heroism in combat, second only to the Medal of Honor.
The Purple Heart was revived in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur, making it available to soldiers who were wounded or killed in action. With its lineage tracing back to George Washington's Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart remains one of the most recognized symbols of sacrifice in the U.S. military.
Modern Context
Orders and Decorations in Modern Times
Today, the U.S. military awards system is more structured than ever, recognizing a wide spectrum of achievements, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Air Medal for aerial flight merit. Civilian honors have continued to expand as well, with awards like the Congressional Gold Medal—America's highest civilian award presented by Congress, recognizing exceptional achievements and contributions to American history and culture.
For both military and civilian contributions, orders and medals have become part of the country's effort to acknowledge the dedication, sacrifice, and achievements of its people.
Conclusion
From the humble beginnings of the Badge of Military Merit to the comprehensive honors system that includes both military and civilian distinctions, U.S. medals and orders represent the values and ideals of the nation. Today, these medals serve as symbols of pride, sacrifice, and honor, celebrated by recipients and respected by fellow citizens.