According to history, Samuel Sharpe was appointed to many positions in government during the very early years of this country. As the first settlers were arriving at the New World, many things would change about the government and life in general. The government of the Massachusetts Bay Colonies was resided over by a Governor, Deputy Governor, and a Council consisting of thirteen freemen. Mr. Sharpe served as one of these thirteen. He was also charged with the care of the “five pieces of Ordnance: that belonged to the colony.” This took place in February of 1628.
On the 17th of April 1629, Mr. Sharpe was appointed by the Council of the Plantation in Massachusetts Bay Colonies to be “Master Gunner of Ordnance”, a title brought over with the colonist from England. The Master Gunner was charged with care of the “ORDNANCE, SHOT, POWDER, MATCH, LADLES, SPONGES, WORMES, CARTRIDGES, ARMES, FIRE-WORKS, AND THE REST OF THE GUNNERS.”
The Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe award is a display of recognition to select personnel who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character, displayed an outstanding professional competence, served the Army Ordnance Corps with selflessness, and contributed to the promotion of the Ordnance Corps in ways that stand out to the recipient’s seniors, subordinates, and peers.
The purpose of the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe is to recognize those individuals who have served the United States Army Ordnance Corps with demonstrated integrity, moral character and professional competence over a sustained period of time. And whose selfless contributions to the Corps stand out in the eyes of their seniors, peers and subordinates alike.
Approval Authority
The approval authority for the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe is delegated to the USAOCA President. The nomination packet must be favorably endorsed by the nominee’s Battalion Commander or GS-14 Equivalent.
Nomination Procedures
*New Procedures beginning 1 January 2023*
U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Association
P.O. Box 5251
Ft. Lee, Virginia 23801
NOTE: The Joint Ethics Regulation does not allow Federal Employees to accept gifts from subordinates that have a value greater than $10. In order to maintain the professional integrity of the Samuel Sharpe award, subordinates may no longer fund the purchase of approved Samuel Sharpe Medals and Certificates for senior federal employees.
• The nomination must be received no later than SEVEN weeks prior to the projected presentation date.
• It is expected that recipients will be presented the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe during an appropriate and dignified ceremony.
PO Box 5251
Fort Lee, VA 23801
Located in Hatcher Hall - Room 122