|
The practice of awarding medals to the common soldier started long ago. The first formal system for rewarding acts of individual gallantry by this nation's fighting men was established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782. Designed to recognize "any singularly meritorious action," the award consisted of a purple cloth heart.
World War I saw the first Victory Medal and the use of devices such as stars, oak leafs and bars to denote additional awards or campaigns. New decorations were added to maintain the prestige of the Medal of Honor.
World War II saw the award system expand to provide a wider degree of decorations for valor and merit and more service medals to signify campaigns in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The [TRS] continues this time honored tradition of recognizing individual gallantry on the field of battle.
|
|