Chapter XXIV: Section 10: Seamen distinguishing themselves in battle or by

extraordinary heroism in the line of their profession, may be
promoted to forward warrant officers, or acting master's mates,
as they may be best qualified, upon the recommendation of their
commanding officer, approved by the flag officer and the
department. Upon such promotion they shall receive a gratuity of
$100 and a medal of honor to be prepared by the Navy Department.

Approved July 16, 1862.

No. 72. (p. 368) PLATE LXXII b.

_July 12, 1862, and March 3, 1863._

ARMY MEDAL OF HONOR.

A five-pointed star, tipped with trefoils, each point containing a crown of laurel and oak; in the middle, within a circle of thirty-four stars, America, personified as Minerva, stands with her left hand resting on the fasces, while with her right, in which she holds a shield blazoned with the American arms, she repulses Discord, represented with two snakes in each hand; the whole suspended by a trophy of two crossed cannons, balls, and a sword, surmounted by the American eagle, which is united by a ribbon of thirteen stripes, paleways, gules and argent, and a chief, azure, to a clasp composed of two cornucopias and the American arms. On the platform: PAQUET. F. (_fecit_).

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution and Act of Congress Instituting Army Medals of Honor._

_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States be, and he is hereby, authorized
to cause 2,000 "medals of honor" to be prepared with suitable
emblematic devices, and to direct that the same be presented, in
the name of Congress, to such non-commissioned officers and
privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry
in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present
insurrection, and that the sum of $10,000 be, and the same is
hereby, appropriated for the purpose of carrying this resolution
into effect.

Approved July 12th, 1862.