The Fidelity Medallion is the oldest decoration

Military badges of the United States

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 also serve as identification devices for personnel occupying certain assignments. Personal recognition is granted to...

 of the United States military and was created by act of the Continental Congress

Continental Congress

The Continental Congress was a convention of delegates called together from the Thirteen Colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution....

 in 1780. Also known as the "André Capture Medal", the Fidelity Medallion was awarded to those soldiers who participated in the capture of Major John André

John André

John André was a British army officer hanged as a spy during the American War of Independence. This was due to an incident in which he attempted to assist Benedict Arnold's attempted surrender of the fort at West Point, New York to the British.-Early life:André was born on May 2, 1750 in London to...

, of the British army, who had been the contact to Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold V was a general during the American Revolutionary War. He began the war in the Continental Army but later defected to the British Army. While a general on the American side, he obtained command of the fort at West Point, New York, and plotted to surrender it to the British forces...

 and had helped organize his defection.

Historical records indicate that three soldiers, all members of the militia of New York state, were awarded the Fidelity Medallion after its first issuance: Private John Paulding

John Paulding

John Paulding was a militiaman from the state of New York during the American Revolution. In 1780, he participated in the capture of Major John André.-Revolutionary History:...

, Private David Williams

David Williams (soldier)

David Williams was a militiaman from the state of New York during the American Revolution. In 1780, he participated in the capture of Major John André.Williams should not be confused with, and is not related to, David Williams of Massachusetts, a participant in the Boston Tea...

, and Private Isaac Van Wart

Isaac Van Wart

Isaac Van Wart was a militiaman from the state of New York during the American Revolution. In 1780, he participated in the capture of Major John André.- Personal history :...

.

The obverse of the medallion was inscribed “”; the reverse, with the motto, “”, 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

Badge of Military Merit

The Badge of Military Merit is considered the first military award of the United States Armed Forces. Although the Fidelity Medallion is older, after being issued to three soldiers for a specific event in 1780 it was never awarded again, so the Badge of Military Merit is often considered the oldest...

is generally considered the first decoration of the U.S. military, even though it was created two years after the Fidelity Medallion, in 1782.