UNITED STATES MEDALS The premier decoration of the United States is the Medal of Honor which is comparable to the Victoria Cross. It was insti tuted in 1862 as a reward for conspicuous acts of bravery during the Civil War. In the course of time the details of the design have changed; the present description of the Army medal is a five pointed star superimposed on a wreath, in the centre of the star the head of Minerva, surrounding which is a circle inscribed "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The star is suspended from a bar attached to the two top points, and on the bar is inscribed "VALOR," above which is the American Eagle. Attached to the eagle's head is a ring through which passes the ribbon. The ribbon is light blue with stars embroidered thereon, and the medal is worn round the neck. The Navy medal differs in a few details from the Army pattern. This medal takes precedence of all other United
States decorations. "Medal of Honor" lapel buttons are optional for wear in civilian clothes ; they are hexagonal rosettes made of light blue silk with 13 white stars. There was a Merit Medal, awarded with the "Certificate of Merit" for which only enlisted men were eligible, but this was abolished in 1918.
War commemorative medals follow the British practice. An interesting example is the Civil War Medal, on the obverse of which is a portrait of Lincoln, surrounded by an inscription taken from his famous Second Inaugural: "WITH MALICE TOWARDS NONE, WITH CHARITY FOR ALL." On the reverse is inscribed "THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865." The "Indian Wars" Medal is also inter esting from the fact that the reverse was copied for reverses of many other campaign medals.