Medal of Honor

"Medal of Honor" by Mack Reynolds is a science fiction tale set in a future war zone, focusing on Captain Don Mathers and his journey through heroism and deceit. A pilot weary of his duties, Mathers finds himself tempted by a clandestine offer from a wealthy billionaire and his secretary: a shot at the Galactic Medal of Honor in exchange for securing an abandoned enemy spacecraft. Mathers executes the plan, fabricating a heroic deed that earns him the coveted medal, thrusting him into a world of power and influence. The sudden fame and wealth, however, turn Mathers into a pawn, forcing him to face the consequences of his actions and the moral ambiguity of profiting from war. He's left grappling with the true meaning of honor and the weight of his responsibilities.