Navy Medal of Valor Established by Lincoln
December 21st, 1861
December 21st, 1861
How Long Ago?
163 years, 2 months, 22 days ago
Location
Washington, D.C., USA
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
American Civil War
People
- Abraham Lincoln
Links & References
Tags
Navy Medal of Valor Established by Lincoln
Public Resolution 82 was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln, establishing a Navy Medal of Valor. The legislation aimed to honor acts of extraordinary heroism by Navy personnel, providing recognition and incentive for bravery in naval service. This was a crucial step in formalizing medals for military valor.
Introduced Navy Medal of Valor for heroism
Legislation encouraged bravery in naval personnel
Formalized military awards during the Civil War
Set precedent for future military decorations
What Happened?
Public Resolution 82, signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln, introduced a significant component of military recognition in the United States by establishing the Navy Medal of Valor. This legislation served to honor individuals who demonstrated extraordinary heroism in naval service during a time when the country was deeply engaged in the Civil War. The Medal of Valor was envisioned as a counterpart to existing military awards, specifically aimed at encouraging bravery among sailors and naval officers in the face of perilous circumstances. The resolution reflected the evolving nature of military honors and aimed to provide a structured method of recognizing gallantry and sacrifice within the U.S. Navy. At the time, the American Civil War demanded immense valor from military personnel, highlighting the necessity for formal recognition of their deeds. The introduction of this medal would not only serve to celebrate individual heroism but also encourage others to act with similar courage in critical situations. Its inception marked a pivotal moment in the establishment of military award systems and helped to forge a tradition of valor recognition within the U.S. armed forces.
Why Does it Matter?
The signing of Public Resolution 82 is interesting as it represents a fundamental change in how military service and heroism were recognized in the U.S. This pivotal legislation laid the groundwork for numerous military awards and decorations that would follow, ultimately shaping military culture and establishing a precedent for recognizing and honoring bravery in service. The concept of valor medals not only served to recognize individual acts of courage but also fostered a sense of pride and honor among military personnel.
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