DECORATIONS, AMERICAN MILI

TARY. The bestowal of decorations and medals for distinguished military services, practiced among almost all nations since the dawn of history, has been a custom of slow growth in the United States. This was due no doubt to close adherence to the idea of republican simplicity. It was thought that decorations were akin to a title of nobility and part and parcel of the monarchical system. The first medal bestowed by our Government was one in gold on General George Washington, following the evacuation of Boston by the British. John Paul Jones was similarly rewarded after his famous victory over the Serapis. Some of the commanders in the wars of 1812 and the Mexican War were thus honored, as was General Grant after his victory at Chattanooga in 1863. It was not until 1861 that the Medal of Honor was instituted by act of Congre as an American decor a~ tion. At first it applied to the navy but in 1863 was amended to include the army. Modifications have been made in the law from time to time, until today it reads: The President is authorized to present in the name of Congre a Medal of Honor only to each person, who, while an officer or enlisted man in the army, navy or Marine Corps shall hereafter in action involving actual conflict with an enemy, distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty. The Distinguished Service Cro is awarded for individual acts of ‘extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy’ not sufficiently great however to meet the supreme distinction of the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any sara who shall ‘distinguish himself or herself by specially meritorious Service to the Government.’ - In addition to these three decorations a Victory Medal was awarded to every one of the 4,600,000 soldiers, sailors, marines, nurses and doctors who served in the World War. The Navy Cro can be awarded to any one in the naval service who distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism or by distinguished service. It is broader in its scope than the Distinguished Service Cro in the Army. The latter can be given only for heroism in action, but the Navy Cro , in addition to this, includes any other distinguished service, not only in war but in peace. The total number of decorations awarded by the United States Government for World War service was 8,322. Of these, 95 were Medals of Honor, 6,151 Distinguished Service Cro es, and 2,076 Distinguished Service Medals.