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.