“You mean, I am to retain my medal?”
“Yes, the human race would be hard put to bear the psychic upset if you were to be stripped of it.”
“But, I don’t want it!”
The president rubbed a weary black hand over his short, kinky hair. “I am afraid that is the cross you will have to bear the rest of your life, Colonel Mathers. I do not suppose it will be an easy one.” His eyes went to a far corner of the room, but un-seeing. He said, after a long moment, “However, I am not so very sure about you not deserving your award, Colonel.”