From the Bottom Up

Britain, like the U.S.. usually awards its medals on the recommendations of superiors. Last week the War Office broke precedent, gave airborne Major General Richard Nelson Gale the D.S.O. on the recommendation of two subalterns (lieutenants). Explained the War Office: Gale jumped into a dangerous attack to replace a fallen colonel, won the written praise of the only two surviving officers. Hinted the War Office: the practice will not be encouraged.

Five awards of the Victoria Cross last week brought the V.C. total to 115 (compared to 633 in World War I). Top U.S. decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor, to date has been awarded 129 times in World War II (exactly the total of such awards for all of World War I).

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