# Medal of Honor explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Mack Reynolds.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters/medal-of-honor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_36_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_36_se/chapters