Source: Swords and Plowshares (1972), p. 110-111
Context: My days in Europe with the 101st were nearly at an end. I suddenly received orders relieving me from the Division and assigning me as Superintendent of West Point. On August 22 I took an emotion-laden leave of my troops in a division review at Auxerre. For all their hard-boiled reputation, generals can be terribly sentimental about their units and their men. Standing bareheaded at the foot of the reviewing stand, I received the last salute of these gallant soldiers, their ribbons and streamers recalling our battles together. They had put stars on my shoulders and medals on my chest. I owed my future to them, and I was grateful.
“The object of presenting medals, stars, and ribbons is to give pride and pleasure to those who have deserved them. At the same time a distinction is something which everybody does not possess. If all have it it is of less value … A medal glitters, but it also casts a shadow.”
Speech in the House of Commons, March 22, 1944 "War Decorations" http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1944/mar/22/war-decorations-and-medals#column_872.
The Second World War (1939–1945)
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Winston S. Churchill 601
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1874–1965Related quotes
“Upon the floor uncounted medals lay
Like things of little value”
The Earthly Paradise (1868-70), The Lady of the Land
Context: Upon the floor uncounted medals lay
Like things of little value; here and there
Stood golden caldrons, that might well outweigh
The biggest midst an emperor's copper-ware,
And golden cups were set on tables fair,
Themselves of gold; and in all hollow things
Were stored great gems, worthy the crowns of kings.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Enrile: Marcos, as soldier, deserves 'Libingan' burial, Manila Bulletin, April 14, 2011
About
Announcement made on 24 September 1940, establishing the George Cross medal to reward civilian acts of the highest courage.
Attributed
2010s, Speech at the Republican National Convention (July 20, 2016)
Sec. 302
The Gay Science (1882)
“It is other people who want me to win medals.”
Interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, 16 Feb. 2006 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11385083/
"Making Her Own Way, Beiwen Zhang Sets Her Course as Team USA’s Top Badminton Player" https://www.teamusa.org/News/2019/December/10/Making-Her-Own-Way-Beiwen-Zhang-Sets-Her-Course-As-Team-USAs-Top-Badminton-Player (10 December 2019)