Order of Saint Maurice (United States)

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Order of Saint Maurice (OSM) was established in 1996 to recognize the significant contributions made by Infantrymen, Infantry supporters, and spouses. The concept was designed in the pattern of the Cavalry & Armor Association's Order of St. George Medallion and is awarded by the National Infantry Association (NIA) and the Chief of Infantry of the United States Army. It is named after Saint Maurice, the leader of the Roman Theban Legion in the 3rd century. [1]

Contents

Levels

The Order of Saint Maurice has six levels. A nominee for the Order of Saint Maurice must have served the Infantry community with distinction; must have demonstrated a significant contribution in support of the Infantry; and must represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty. The same medallion is used for each level, with an attachment that identifies the level. Active and Reserve Component nominees must be members of the NIA. [1]

Shield of Sparta – Heroine of the Infantry

The Shield of Sparta is awarded by the National Infantry Association and the Chief of Infanty to a spouse who has contributed significantly to the Infantry. The NIA’s goal is to recognize spouses of Infantrymen and other Soldiers in support roles, whose contributions deserve special recognition by the NIA and the Infantry community. The award is a token of appreciation for the sacrifice and commitment demanded of the spouses and supporters of Infantrymen and other Soldiers. It further symbolizes these individuals as true patriots with selfless ideals and the courage to send their Soldier into harm’s way. [2]

Namesake

Saint Maurice was Primicerius of the Theban Legion. In 287 AD it marched in service of the Roman Empire fighting against the revolt in the Berguadae Gauls. His men were composed entirely of Christians recruited from upper Egypt, near the Valley of the Kings. The Legion marched to the Mediterranean Sea, was transported across, and traveled across Italy to an area in Switzerland. Serving under Augustus Maximian Hercules, better known to history as Maximian, Maurice was ordered to have his legionnaires offer pagan sacrifices before battle near the Rhone at Martigny. The Theban Legion refused to participate, and also refused to kill innocent civilians in the conduct of their duty, and withdrew to the town of Agaunum. Enraged, Maximian ordered every tenth man killed, yet they still refused. A second time the General ordered Maurice’s men to participate and again they refused. Maurice declared his earnest desire to obey every order lawful in the eyes of God. “We have seen our comrades killed,” came the reply. “Rather than sorrow, we rejoice at the honor done to them.” At this Maximian ordered the butchery of the Thebans and the martyrdom of Saint Maurice. September 22 is the traditional feast day." [3]

Notable recipients

References

  1. 1 2 "The Order of Saint Maurice". InfantryAssn.org. National Infantry Association. Retrieved 18 Jul 2025.
  2. ↑ Shield of Sparta award
  3. ↑ Marshall, Fred Jr. "Order of St. Maurice". FredMarshallJr.com. Fred Marshall Jr. Retrieved June 3, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  4. ↑ "Picatinny engineer recognized for developing venerable 'Picatinny Rail'". www.army.mil. 6 November 2014. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
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