The Fidelity Medallion is the oldest decoration of the United States military and was created by act of the Continental Congress in 1780. Military badges of the United States are awards authorized by the United States armed forces that signify rating qualification or accomplishment in several career fields and The United States Armed Forces are the overall unified military forces of the United States The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the Year 1780 ( MDCCLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a 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. For other uses see John André (disambiguation. Major John André ( May 2, 1750 &ndash October 2 Benedict Arnold V ( – June 14, 1801) was a General during the American Revolutionary War who originally fought for the American Continental
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. John Paulding ( October 16, 1758 &ndash February 18, 1818) was a Militiaman from the state of New York during the American David Williams ( October 21, 1754 - August 2, 1831) was a Militiaman from the state of New York during the American Revolution Isaac Van Wart (bOctober 251762-May 231828 was a Militiaman from the state of New York during the American Revolution.
On the face of the medallion was the inscription “Fidelity”, and on the reverse was the motto “Amor patriae 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. The Badge of Military Merit is considered to be the first official military combat badge of the United States Armed Forces. S. military, even though it was created two years after the Fidelity Medallion, in 1782. Year 1782 ( MDCCLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common