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The United States Medal of Honor was instituted by Congress in 1862, and is similar in character to the "Badge of Merit " instituted by Washington, the Victoria Cross, etc. It is the only authorized military decoration for valor in this country, and this volume has been planned to present some of the most stirring and dramatic incidents connected with the history of the medal.

The narratives are, in many cases, related by the actors.

Flags are captured, wounded comrades are rescued under deadly fire, and curious adventures on the frontier are related in a plain "camp-fire " fashion— principally by men in the ranks. "Young America " will find this book a wholesome substitute for the dime novel, while "Our Veterans" can rely on the historical accuracy of the statements.

It is the idea of the writer that existing war narratives are too exclusively from the point of view of the commanders, and that some account of what was being said and thought by the men in the ranks will possess personal interest and historical value.

This volume makes a curious complement to that of Mr. Wilkeson, presenting a graphic picture of the way things looked to a private in the Army of Northern Virginia.

"The author deserves the thanks of all true Americans. . . His sketches are models of characterization."—Philadelphia Bulletin.

"The style is singularly concise, lucid, and forcible. The reader of Mr. Roosevelt's book unconsciously makes up his mind that he is reading history and not romance, and yet no romance could surpass it in interest, and it is certain to have a wide and permanent popularity."—Philadelphia Times.