Franklin Roosevelt actually said...
It Is hereby ordered that a Good Conduct Medal, including suitable appurtenances, be established and that the said medal may be awarded, under such regulations as the Secretary of War shall prescribe, to those enlisted men of the Army of the United States who hereafter honorably complete three years of active Federal military service, and who are recommended by their commanding officers for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity.
06/27/1941