Symbols of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the FBI; the red stripes stand for courage, valor, and strength, while the white ones represent light, cleanliness, and truth. Below the wreath and shield is a scroll bearing the words "Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity". This slogan, which was devised in 1935 by FBI Inspector W.H. Drane Lester, describes the high moral standards and high level of motivation the FBI expects from its staff. It also reflects the Bureau's own initials as a "backronym" of sorts. However, a "Newsweek" article from 2008 credits Edward Allen Tamm, once a top aide to J. Edgar Hoover who regularly briefed President Franklin Roosevelt
Fidelity Medallion Van Wart. The obverse of the medallion was inscribed ""; the reverse, with the motto, "", which means, "The love of country conquers." The Fidelity Medallion was never again bestowed and it quickly became regarded as a commemorative decoration. For this reason, the Badge of Military Merit is generally considered the first decoration of the U.S. military, even though it was created two years after the Fidelity Medallion, in 1782. All three of the original Medallions were thought to be lost. Isaac Van Wart's example was thought to be lost at the time of his death in 1828, but is