An Interesting Bit of US Military History

Poke around on the Internet enough, and you learn new things. Sometimes you even learn something useful. (smile)

We often hear people refer to the Purple Heart as the US military’s “oldest decoration”. It turns out that statement is only partially true.

While the Purple Heart is the oldest US military decoration still in use, the Purple Heart was not the first US military decoration or medal awarded to members of the Continental Army.  It was also not the first awarded to recognize exceptional performance of duty.

The Purple Heart was first awarded in 1782 as the “Badge of Military Merit”.  However, a number of other US medals were authorized by the Continental Congress, struck, and awarded that predate the Purple Heart.  Most of these do not appear to qualify as military decorations per se; rather, they were awarded to single individuals, had varying criteria, and had varying designs.  They also appear to have been without a means of suspension to allow them to be worn with a uniform or civilian clothing; they were more like large coins than military decorations.  In short, these medals appear to have been commemorative medals issued as a Congressional “thank you” to specific individuals by name (indeed, on several the individual being honored was portrayed), but not intended to be worn by the recipient as a military decoration.

However, one medal authorized by the Continental Congress exists that predates the Badge of Military Merit and which does appear to qualify as a military decoration.  That medal has a standard design, had specific criteria, and was awarded to multiple individuals for exceptional performance of duty.  This medal also has a suspension ring – and was thus clearly intended to be worn by the individual.  That decoration is the Fidelity Medallion, authorized by act of the Congressional Congress and awarded in 1780 – two years before the Badge of Military Merit.

The Fidelity Medallion (AKA the “Andre Capture Medallion”)

The Fidelity Medallion was awarded to three enlisted personnel of the Continental Army, all members of the New York militia:  Privates John Paulding, Isaac Van Wart, and David Williams. They received this award for capturing Major John Andre – the British recruiter, “handler”, and courier for US traitor and spy Benedict Arnold.  For this reason the Fidelity Medallion is sometimes called the “Andre Capture Medallion”.

Since it was authorized by the Continental Congress for exceptional performance in connection with a specific act, only those three Fidelity Medallions were awarded.  It was never awarded again and is now considered obsolete.  However, it does appear to meet the criteria of a military decoration awarded for exceptional performance of duty.  And it predates the Badge of Military Merit – the forerunner of today’s Purple Heart – by roughly two years.

Even though the above qualifies as trivia, IMO this info is interesting as US military history.  And it might not be completely useless trivia, either.  Knowing it might even allow you to win a libation or two in a friendly wager while socializing. (smile)

Category: Historical