Medals before the Civil War
Many wonder if there were medals awarded prior to the Civil War. The short answer is YES there were. The longer answer is more complex than just a simple yes.
In his book, The Medallic History of the United States Of America, 1776-1876 By J. F. Loubat, LL.D. published in 1878, in the introduction Mr. Loubat identifies:
Our medals number eighty-six in all, most of which were struck by order of Congress in honor of citizens of the United States. Seventeen belong to the period of the Revolution, twenty-seven to the War of 1812-15, four to the Mexican War, and two to the Civil War. Only five were voted to foreigners: one, in 1779, to Lieutenant-Colonel de Fleury, a French gentleman in the Continental Army, for gallant conduct at Stony Point; another, in 1858, to Dr. Frederick Rose, an assistant-surgeon in the British Navy for kindness and humanity to sick seamen on one of ourmen-of-war; and the others, in 1866, to three foreign merchant captains, Messrs. Creighton, Low, and Stouffer, who, in December, 1853, went to the aid of the steamer San Francisco, thereby "rescuing about five hundred Americans."
The majority of the medals were not what is today considered a military medal. They did not have colored drapes or even ribbons attached for wear, they are considered "table medals" or medallions. They were reserved and presented for important events.
A good example of this is the first one created by an Act of Congress for George Washington. From Mr Loubat's book:
Congress had not yet proclaimed the independence of the thirteen United Colonies when, on March 25, 1776, it ordered that a gold medal be struck and presented to "His Excellency, General Washington," for his "wise and spirited conduct in the siege and acquisition of Boston."
Many others would follow this one and the names of the awardees are a Who's Who in American military history. These table medals were primarily struck for senior military officers and leaders. However, there are two that stand out as they were struck for and given to enlisted members of the military. Although the second is not actually a "medal" but an embroidered cloth badge designed by George Washington himself.
The first is called the Fidelity Medal. It is actually the oldest decoration of the United States military and was created by act of the Continental Congress in 1780. It is also referred to as "André Capture Medal".
Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart.
By The United States in Congress Assembled.
Whereas, Congress have received information that John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, three young volunteer militiamen of the State of New York, did, on the 23d day of September last, intercept Major John André, adjutant-general of the British army, on his return from the American lines, in the character of aspy; and, notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, nobly disdaining to sacrifice their country for the sake of gold, secured and conveyed him to the commanding officer of the district, whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Benedict Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the enemy baffled, and the United States rescued from impending danger:
Resolved, That Congress have a high sense of the virtuous and patriotic conduct of the said John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart. In testimony whereof,
Ordered, That each of them receive annually, out of the public treasury, 200 dollars in specie, or an equivalent in the current money of these States, during life; and that the Board of War procure for each of them a silver medal, on one side of which shall be a shield with this inscription: "Fidelity," and on the other the following motto: "Vincit amor patriæ," and forward them to the commander-in-chief, who is requested to present the same, with a copy of this resolution, and the thanks of Congress for their fidelity, and the eminent service they have rendered their country.
Friday, November 3, 1780.
Robinson House, In The Highlands,
September 26, 1780.
This is not properly a medal, but a repoussé, made by a silversmith. The wording on the reverse "AMOR PATRIÆ VINCIT", tanslates to "The love of country conquers".
John Paulding was born in New York in 1759; and died in Westchester County, New York, February 18, 1848.
David Williams was born in Tarrytown, October 21, 1754, and died in Broome, Schoharie County, New York,August 2, 1831.
Isaac Van Wart was born in New York in 1750, and died in Westchester County, New York, May 23, 1818.
These three militiamen captured Major André, of the British Army, September 23, 1780, and refusing his largeoffers of money, delivered him up to the American commanding officer of the district. Thus the treasonableintentions of General Arnold to surrender West Point to the enemy were frustrated. For this great service to theircountry they each received the thanks of Congress and the above silver medal.
The second "medal" or badge was called the Badge of Military Merit. Only three individuals are known to have received the Badge of Military Merit during the American Revolution.
On May 3, 1783, Sergeant William Brown of the 5th Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line, and Sergeant Elijah Churchill of the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons were awarded the Badge of Military Merit. A month later, on June 10, 1783, Sergeant Daniel Bissell of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment of the Connecticut Line was also awarded a Badge of Military Merit.
The general order that created the Badge of Military Merit as well as the Badge of Distinction read as follows -
General Orders, 7 August 1782
Head Quarters Newburgh Wednesday August 7th 1782.
Parole Winchester.
Countersigns York. Lancaster.
Honorary Badges of distinction are to be conferred on the veteran Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the army, who have served more than three years with bravery, fidelity and good conduct, for this purpose a narrow piece of white cloath of an angular form is to be fixed to the left arm on the uniform Coats. Non commissioned officers and soldiers who have served with equal reputation more than six years are to be distinguished by two pieces of cloth set on parallel to each other in a simular form—should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume the badges of them they shall be severely punished. On the other hand it is expected those gallant men who are thus designated will on all occasions be treated with particular confidence and consideration.
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 merrit 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.
A surgeon from the 2d Connecticutt and a mate from the 3d Massachusetts Brigades to march with Major Ashleys command tomorrow.
The 6th Massachusetts regiment will give the guards and fatigue parties on the east side of the river for seven days commencing tomorrow.
For fatigue tomorrow at West point &ca the 10th Massachusetts regiment.
A captain from the 10th Massachusetts regiment will attend the court martial of which Colonel Putnam is president, as a member tomorrow.
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
[from the National Archives]
In the years that followed the Revolution and the birth of the United States, Washington’s Badge of Military Merit fell into disuse and was forgotten for almost 150 years.
As one might imagine, if they aren't already aware, this badge would become today's Purple Heart. It is George Washington's cameo that appears on the medal.
On February 22, 1932, the Army announced in General Orders No. 3 that “the Purple Heart, established by General George Washington in 1782” would be “awarded to persons who, while serving in the Army of the United States, perform any singularly meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service.” Then, in a parenthetical in this announcement, the Army published the following sentence: “A wound, which necessitates treatment by a medical officer, and which is received in action with an enemy of the United States, or as a result of an act of such enemy, may…be construed as resulting from a singularly meritorious act of essential service.”) This meant that the Purple Heart was an award for high-level service, but it also meant that an individual serving “in the Army” who was wounded in action, could also be awarded the Purple Heart. Not all wounds, however, qualified for the new decoration; the wound had to be serious enough that it “necessitated” medical treatment.
George Washington's Badge of Distinction are, in fact, what today are called "Hash Marks" that indicate the serving in the service for a given number of years in good faith and conduct. The duration of service time varies by the awarding military branch of service.