The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1918-08-21

NJ M From nation which
~ ~ has never gone in
$TS@ very heavily for hon
e. w Ors and decorations
and whose representatives are distinct
ly forbidden by the constitution to ac-
cept them from foreign governments
the United States has stepped into
the larger circle Of nations, among
whom the bestOwal Of military hon
Oss of many kinds and degrees has
long been an established custom,
writes Foster Ware in the New York
Evening Post.
Not that exceptional herOism In war
time has hitherto gone unrecOgniZed
here. Since the days Of the Civil war
there has existed a congressional med
al Of honor, which, though little
known. is regarded by many as one Of
the highest military or naval decOra-
lions to be won in any land. This
medal always has been and always
will be the most coveted honor in our
army and navy. But it has remained
for President Wilson, acting upon the
recommendation Of General Pershing,
to institute not only several new hon.
ors. but new rules for their award,
which in some respects will revOlu-
tionize American practice in such
matters. In a word, the order estab-
fishing our new war decorations is
expected to cut away much of the red
tape which enveloped. unfortunately.
more than one American hero Of the
past
New Decorations.
Briefly, the new war decorations in
stituted by the president are these:
l. The distinguished service cross.
2. The distinguished service medal.
3. War service chevrons.
4. Wound chevrons.
Coupled with the congressional
medal of honor. these new decora-
tons give to the American soldier vir-
tually the same rewards for especial
service that are offered in the French
and British armies. The British have
II their Victoria Cross and the French
\ their Medaille Militaire. and to these
+ the American Congressional Medal Of
y HOnor-sometimes referred to as the
"Valor Medal" or american Star Of
81 Valor"-may be said to correspond
THE new American Distinguished
Service Cross has no exact counter
apart in the British army, inasmuch as
sHthe nearest thing to 1t. the .. S. o.,
is offered only to officers. The French
sCroix de Guerre with palm) CORE
spends perhaps more closely. The
sAmerican Distinguished Service Cross
!. and the French Croix may be won by
men or officers, regardless of rank
Perhaps. ii was to meet this deficiency
that the British In 1916 established a
new military medal for plain soldiers
and noncoms. "in recognition of bra
very in the field" Within the two
years 1900 of these military medals
have been given out.
ss$ For the new American Distinguish
cd Service Medal there is the Distin-
9uished Conduct Medal in the British
fmy Cimited to non<oms. and men) i.
Hhile in the French army its place is
aiken in part by the Croix de Guerre
with starr and the Legion of Honor
he tendency In the British army has
been to distinguish between officers
and men In recognizing services,
whereas the French pursue more
Qemocratic policy, and in general
ueat officers and men on an equal
%eoting In bestowing honors. Indeed
euch distinction as is drawn in France
a In favor of the common soldier. The
highest of all French military decora-
4 flons-the Medaille Militaire-is given
only to the plain soldier and noncom-
Mlesioned officer. or to commanding
xeneral. Joffre and one or two 9TH
erS are the only officers who have re-
eefyed it.
Follow French System.
4 is the French system that Is to
- followed In respect to the awarding
a American honors. Courage. hero
sm bravery. or the signal perform
ance Of duty-at home as well as in
Efmce-are to be rewarded without
re0rd to military rank All our med
Sl4 new or old, are offered to officers
ana alike. More than that, they