Fidelity Medallion

The Fidelity Medallion is the oldest decoration of the United States military and was created by act of the Continental Congress in 1780.[1] Also known as the "André Capture Medal", the Fidelity Medallion was awarded to those soldiers who participated in the capture of Major John André, of the British Army, who had been the contact to Benedict Arnold and had helped organize his defection.

Fidelity Medallion
TypeMilitary medallion
Awarded forParticipation in the capture of Major John André
Presented byUnited States Armed Forces
Campaign(s)American Revolutionary War
StatusObsolete, awarded for specific event
First awarded1780
Last awarded1780
Total3
Total awarded posthumouslyNo

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, Private David Williams, and Private Isaac Van Wart.[2]

The obverse of the medallion was inscribed "Fidelity"; the reverse, with the motto, "Amor Patriæ Vincit", 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 is generally considered the first decoration of the U.S. military, even though it was created two years after the Fidelity Medallion, in 1782.

Authorizing statute

Whereas, Congress have received information that John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, three young volunteer militiamen of the State of New York, did, on the 23d day of September last, intercept Major John André, adjutant-general of the British Army, on his return from the American lines, in the character of a spy; and, notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, nobly disdaining to sacrifice their country for the sake of gold, secured and conveyed him to the commanding officer of the district, whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Benedict Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the enemy baffled, and the United States rescued from impending danger:

Resolved, That Congress have a high sense of the virtuous and patriotic conduct of the said John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart. In testimony whereof,

Ordered, That each of them receive annually, out of the public treasury, 200 dollars in specie, or an equivalent in the current money of these States, during life; and that the Board of War procure for each of them a silver medal, on one side of which shall be a shield with this inscription: "Fidelity," and on the other the following motto: "Vincit amor patriæ," and forward them to the commander-in-chief, who is requested to present the same, with a copy of this resolution, and the thanks of Congress for their fidelity, and the eminent service they have rendered their country.

Friday, November 3, 1780.[3]

Disposition of the three Medallions

All three of the original Medallions were thought to be lost. Isaac Van Wart's example was thought to be lost at the time of his death in 1828, but is actually in the hands of a descendant in Westchester County, NY. John Paulding's and David Williams' medallions were both donated to the New-York Historical Society in 1905 which displayed them in a locked, glass-topped case. In mid-1975, the two Medallions were stolen, along with the pocket watch originally belonging to Major John André. The Historical Society did not go public with the loss at the time, and none of the items have been recovered.[4]

Replicas

In the two centuries since the original Fidelity Medallions were issued, replicas have occasionally been produced in metals including silver, pewter, lead and bronze and in varying degrees of historical accuracy. The American Numismatic Society has six different specimens in their collection.[5]

An auction catalog, published for a September 2012 sale which featured a replica of the award, includes a description of the Fidelity Medallion:

[...] Fidelity Medallion, the oldest decoration of the United States military and created by act of the Continental Congress in 1780. It is also referred to as "André Capture Medal" as historical records indicate that it was awarded to three soldiers from the New York Militia, David Williams, John Paulding and Isaac Van Wert, who aided in the arrest of Major John André for his role in organizing Benedict Arnold's defection to the British Army. The medal is 55 mm × 41 mm, beautifully struck. The face of the medallion contains the inscription "FIDELITY" and the reverse "AMOR PATRIÆ VINCIT" ("The love of country conquers").

At the time, the medal did not sell.[6]

References
  1. "Medals and Awards of The Revolution". RevolutionaryWarArchives.org. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  2. Historical Collection of New York, by John W. Barber and Henry Howe, 1841
  3. Loubat, J. F. (1878). Medallic History of the United States of America. Jules Jaquemart, ill. New Milford: N. Flayderman & Co., Inc.
  4. Lest We Forget: Masterpieces of Patriotic Jewelry and Military Decorations, pp. 54–55, Judith Price, Taylor Trade Publishing, ISBN 978-1-58979-686-7
  5. "American Numismatic Society: Browse Collection". Numismatics.org. 1945-07-23. Retrieved 2016-10-29.
  6. "Fidelity Medallion For The Capture Of John Andre". Icollector.com. Retrieved 2016-10-29.
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