Short Fiction · Chapter
Medal of Honor explained
Don Mathers, holder of the Galactic Medal of Honor, confronts the moral burden of his undeserved decoration.
What happens
Don Mathers, holder of the Galactic Medal of Honor, confronts the moral burden of his undeserved decoration. He rejects a bribe from a corrupt corporation, kills Max Rostoff in self-defense, and confesses his fraud to the President, who refuses to revoke the medal for the sake of human morale.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
The Medal of Honor grants Don immense power and immunity, which he uses to confront and dismantle a corrupt corporate scheme.
Identity and Self-Worth
Don struggles with his identity as a fraud, feeling unworthy of the honor, and ultimately seeks redemption through confession.
Characters to notice
- Don Mathers
Protagonist grappling with guilt over his fraudulent Medal of Honor; confronts Demming and Rostoff, then confesses to the President.
- Dian Fuller
Don's love interest; rebuffs his date request, citing his desertion and the death of Medal of Honor recipient Colin Casey.
- Lawrence Demming
Corrupt businessman who tries to bribe Don; goes mad after Don's revelation and the death of Rostoff.
- Max Rostoff
Corrupt associate of Demming; attempts to shoot Don but is killed in the confrontation.
- Harry
Bartender who discusses the implications of the Medal of Honor with Don.
Key passages
“You carry the Galactic Medal of Honor, the bearer of which can do no wrong.”
The President reminds Don that his medal makes him untouchable, regardless of his actions.
Highlights the theme of power and corruption, as the medal grants immunity.
“I don’t care if I die or not.”
Don expresses his indifference to death, showing his despair and lack of self-worth.
Reflects Don's internal conflict and identity crisis.
“I’m turning the whole corporation over to the government.”
Don decides to hand over the corrupt corporation to the authorities for untangling.
Demonstrates Don's attempt at redemption and moral action.