Citizenship - January by Garth Christie, MMC To a generation of citizens the term “Medal of Honor” relates more to a combat action style video game than an individual soldier’s gallantry in actual combat. In part, this is due to rarity of the bestowal of our Nation’s highest military decoration. However, this was not always the case. General George Washington established the first award for individual gallantry in 1782 with the Badge of Military merit which consisted of a purple cloth heart. Only three sergeants received this award and it was discontinued after the Revolution. A “certificate of merit” with no accompanying medal was awarded during the Mexican -American War and was similarly discontinued. Consequently, at the outbreak of the Civil War, our Nation had no award for individual gallantry. The initial Medal of Honor idea was rejected by General-in-Chief of the Army Winfield Scott as too European. Conversely, the navy adopted it in 1861 and awarded it to petty officers, seaman and Marines for distinguished individual gallantry. The Army relented in 1862 and similarly awarded the medal to noncommissioned officers and privates. Congress made the Medal of Honor a permanent decoration in 1863 thus assuring its continued use. To date, 3,743 Medals of Honor have been awarded. Civil War soldiers received the most, 1522; and until last month only seven (all posthumously) have been awarded since Vietnam. There are two main reasons for this comparative dearth. First, there are many more medals today. General Washington’s award was revived by General Douglas MacArthur in 1932 and is known as the Purple Heart. Additionally, other high honors such as the Navy Cross and Silver Star were not options during the Civil War. Also, the nature of combat has changed. The Medal of Honor is awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy. Today, the enemy is most often engaged at long range with drones and other modern tactical options. In consideration of all the above, it was truly remarkable to see President Obama hang the Medal of Honor around the neck of Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, the first living recipient and only the eighth overall since the Vietnam War. This essay cannot do justice to his gallantry but in a nutshell, despite being shot twice, he attacked and killed Taliban ambushers with hand grenades and rifle fire saving the lives of most of his comrades. Giunta said he would give the medal back in a second if it could bring his fallen friends back to life. His selfless bravery has made Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta the unltimate hero in the minds and hearts of every citizen who has worn a uniform in defense of our country. .