Established in 1847 for enlisted members of the US Army. The certificate of Merit was first awarded during the War with Mexico (1846 – 1848) and after the civil war from 1874 – 1892 to enlisted members who demonstrated extraordinary gallantry in the presence of the enemy. From 1892 – 1918 the criteria was changed to “distinguished service whether in action or otherwise, of valuable character to the United States”.
The Medal is bronze medallion with a Roman war eagle with wings partly displayed. The eagle is surrounded by the Latin inscription “VIRTUTIS ET AUDACIAE MONUMENTUM ET PRAEMIUM”. The inscription means “courage and virtue are their own reward and monument.”