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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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1992-09-03
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Coinlike metal pieces, struck or cast to
commemorate historic events; mark
distinguished service, whether civil or
military (in the latter case in connection
with a particular battle, or for individual
feats of courage, or for service over the
period of a campaign); or as a badge of
membership of an order of knighthood,
society, or other special group. Armada medal
issued by Elizabeth I following the defeat of
the Armada; the first English commemorative
medal George Cross 1940 highest British
civilian award for bravery , the medallion in
the centre of the cross depicting St George
and the D ragon
Iron Cross German, see under knighthood
Legion d'honneur French, see under knighthood
Medal of Honor highest award given in the US
for the navy (1861) and army (1862) for
gallantry in action; of differing design,
both are bronze stars with the goddess
Minerva encircled in their centres
Medal for Merit US civilian, 1942; recognizes
exceptional conduct in the performance of
outstanding service Ordre National du Merite
French, civil and military, 1963, replacing
earlier merit awards Order of Merit British,
see Merit, Order of, and knighthood
Order of the Purple Heart US military,
established by Washington 1782, when it was
of purple cloth (now made of bronze and
enamel); revived by Hoover 1932, when it was
issued to those wounded in action from World
War I onward
Pour le Merite German, instituted by
Frederick the Great, military in 1740, and
since 1842 for science and art Presidential
Medal of Freedom USA, highest peacetime
civilian award since 1963
USSR Gold Star Medal Soviet Union, civilian
and military Victoria Cross British military,
1856 Waterloo Medal British, established
1816; until the 19th century medals were
awarded only to officers; this was the first
to be issued to all ranks.