"Good Conduct"

I was a soldier once, dressed in boots and olive green

fatigues every day. I arose and saluted the flag at revelry

every morning, 8 AM sharp; stood at attention again at

5 PM for retreat as our Star-spangled Banner was lowered,

folded appropriately and respectfully retired for the day.

I had done my duty, nothing outstanding, heroic or grand.

I served my time, a 3-year enlistment without any gross

violation of orders or command. I consider myself fortunate

in never having been called into battle. I was luckier than

many who served in my day, given that the war in Vietnam

was underway, given that the Soviet Union was being held

tenuously at bay. Then one day, unceremoniously, the first ser-

geant of my unit handed me a small blue box. Inside, a Good

Conduct Medal, one of many millions issued since 1941.

There had been no mention of minor infractions and missteps

I may have made. I saluted the flag and officers in passing with-

out fail. I never missed bed check and made my bunk according

to military regulations every day. I fell into formation and did

mostly what I was told for 3-years in a row—“Good Conduct,”

or so the Army and that bronze medal with a spread-winged,
eagle image on the heads-side portended to convey.

On the tails-side, there is a blank banner where, should one

choose (and for a nominal fee, I assume) there is space where

the name of some innocuous recipient can be engraved.

It is interesting and worthy of note that in the fifty-some years

since completing my military service, there have been myriad

things said about me and my broad range of behaviors. But never

again have I been admired or commended for what may be con-

sidered “good conduct.” It would seem more fitting, as I see it,

to have been issued a medal commemorating the fact that I some-

how managed to make it through that period of my life “Unscathed.”

Perhaps then I may have considered having my name engraved on
a medal proclaiming a quasi-admirable attribute such as that.

Chris Hanch 7-16-17