Fidelity Medallion
The
Fidelity Medallion is the oldest
decoration of the
United States military and was created by act of the
Continental Congress in
1780. Also known as the "Andre Capture Medal", the Fidelity Medallion was awarded to those soldiers who participated in the capture of
Major John André, of the British army, who had been the contact to
Benedict Arnold and had helped organize his defection.
Historical records indicate that three soldiers were awarded the Fidelity Medallion after its first issuance, all from the New York State Militia. The names of the soldiers were Private
John Paulding, Private
David Williams, and Private
Isaac Van Wart.
On the face of the medallion was the inscription, "Fidelity," and on the reverse the motto, "Amo patrice vincit" which means "The love of country conquers."
The Fidelity Medallion was never again bestowed and it quickly became regarded as a commemorative decoration. For this reason, the
Badge of Military Merit is generally considered the first decoration of the U.S. military even though it was created two years after the Fidelity Medallion, in
1782.
*Historical Collection of New York, by John W. Barber and Henry Howe, 1841.
