June 12, 1863, The New York Herald
We have been struck by the number of medals and crosses which are to be observed on the breasts of the returned officers and soldiers of the Army of the Potomac. These have no doubt been all gallantly earned; but, as they have no national character, and are the gifts of individuals or societies, they are open to objection. In the first place, they are an injustice to the many brave men who, though equally distinguished for their deeds, have not been fortunate enough to attract the notice of the donors. In the next, they furnish to swindlers and impostors a ready means of passing themselves off as heroes. In France the red ribbon of the Legion of Honor was at one time made such extensive use of in this way that the Chambers were obliged to enact severe penalties against those assuming it without the permission of the Emperor. It is obvious that the practice that has already sprung up among us will, if not checked, lead to very great abuses and prove a source of continual mortification and annoyance to the army. Seeing that our soldiers take a pride in such rewards the government is bound to legalize them, and to take care that for the future there shall be but one fountain of honor for military and naval men. We never could appreciate the value of the arguments used against military decorations. If there was ever any force in them it has been entirely done away with by the facts to which we allude. When Congress meets it should at once give its attention to this subject. Our conscripts will make all the better soldiers if they find that good conduct in the field is to be rewarded by some conspicuous mark of distinction singling them out from their fellow men.