Medal of Honor - Fairfax, Virginia - George Washington on Waymarking.com

This display honors George Washington's connection to the Medal of Honor, while not directly connected his actions in recognizing gallantry led to what we know now as the Medal of Honor.

Display items related to George Washington:

- one of sixty known original copies of a Gilbert and Jane Stuart portrait of Washington from 1825.
- Sword presented to David Humphries, Adjutant to General George Washington.
- Sword presented to Colonel Otho Williams, Battle of Eutaw Springs, South Carolina 8 September 1781.


Text related to Washington:
The Medal of Honor is our nation's highest award for gallantry. It was instituted in 1861, but we have had other ways of recognizing gallantry that date back to the American Revolution.
In August 1872 Washington wrote:
"The General... directs that whenever any singularity meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in a purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward."

From that directive, we know of three "Badge of Military Merit" that were awarded to soldiers of the continental line. (The award then fell into disuse until it was revived in 1932 as an award for receiving a wound in combat.)
At the close of the American Revolution in 1781, Congress authorized the purchase and presentation of fifteen swords to be made in Paris and inscribed with the thanks of Congress to the recipient who had been nominated by General Washington for superior service and gallantry. Eight of these swords are known to have survived.

Location: 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax, Virginia United States of America 22030 Waymark website: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
Include a unique picture of the waymark and explain how you came to the area. A picture of you and your crew will be appreciated; powdered wig and wooden teeth are optional.

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