In a shadowbox on the shelf at my office is a large bronze medallion hanging from a sky blue and yellow ribbon. The medallion itself is about two inches in diameter and hangs from a clasp on the ribbon in the shape of an eagle with the word “Legionnaire” imprinted on it. The medallion has a wreath around its borders and is emblazoned with the cast image of a roman soldier extending his hand down to help a fallen comrade. Aside from the imagery the medallion also reads “The Order of Saint Maurice” and “The National Infantry Association”. 

The Order of Saint Maurice medallion is an award given to honor those who are inducted into the Order for their roles contributing to or serving in the US Army Infantry. It becomes even more special with some research designed to better understand why the Infantry Association chose to call their special order the Order of Saint Maurice. What I found is an epic tale of heroism about which movies should be made.