Medal of Distinction

William Adama receives the Colonial Medal of Distinction ^{(TRS: "Hero")}

The Medal of Distinction is a decoration in the Colonial Fleet.

Apparently a prestigious decoration, it is awarded for, among other heroic reasons, long years of distinguished service in the Fleet. Admiral William Adama is awarded the Medal of Distinction some weeks after the Battle of New Caprica, as much for public morale as for having earned it ^{(TRS: "Hero")}.

The medal is a version of the Colonial emblem on a red ribbon worn around the neck.

Notes

Design and Symbolism

The medal may be intended to be a counterpart to the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; an American military decoration which is presented for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States.

From Script to Screen

Comparing the "Hero" script to the final aired episode reveals details about the medal ceremony and its political significance:

• The screenplay includes extended dialogue between President Laura Roslin and Adama about the medal's purpose for fleet morale, emphasizing how the ceremony serves "the people" rather than personal recognition.

• David Eick's draft contains more detailed descriptions of the hangar deck ceremony preparations and crowd reactions that were condensed for the aired version.

• The written version emphasizes Adama's internal conflict about accepting the honor, describing his physical tremor and emotional struggle in greater detail than appears in the final episode.

References