Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1928-1930)

Establishing Legislation

The Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1928-1930) was established by Act of Congress (Public Resolution Number 75, 71st Congress) on May 23, 1930.

Event Commemorated

This medal commemorates the Byrd Antarctic Expedition of 1928-1930.

Order of Precedence

The Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1928-1930) was worn after the NC-4 Medal and before the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1939-1941).

Devices

No devices were authorized for this medal.

Designer

The Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1928-1930) was designed by Francis H. Packer.

First Recipient

The first Bryd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1928-1930) was issued in gold to Richard E. Byrd

Description and Symbolism

Obverse

In the center of a gold, silver, or bronze medallion one and a quarter inches in diameter, a man in heavy winter clothing holding a ski pole in his right hand with ice formations in the background. The following inscription appears around the rim of the medal: 1928 BYRD ANTARCTIC

(on the left) and EXPEDITION 1930 (on the right). The male figure is Admiral Byrd, leader of the expedition and his manner of dress and the ice formations suggest the Antarctic region.

Reverse

In the upper quarter of a gold, silver, or bronze medallion one and a quarter inches in diameter, a sailing ship in full mast. Below the ship, and occupying the largest portion of the medal, the following inscription (in ten lines): PRESENTED TO THE OFFICERS / AND MEN OF THE BYRD ANTARCTIC EXPED- / ITION TO EXPRESS THE HIGH ADMIRA- / TION IN WHICH THE CONGRESS AND THE / AMERICAN PEOPLE HOLD THEIR HEROIC / AND UNDAUNTED SERVICES IN CONN- / ECTION WITH THE SCIENTIFIC IN- / VESTIGATIONS AND EXTRAORDI- / NARY AERIAL EXPLORATION OF / THE ANTARCTIC CONTINENT. Below this inscription (in the exergue) is pictured a head-on view of a Fort Tri-Motor airplane, similar to that used on the expedition.

Ribbon

The ribbon is divided into equal sections of white, ice blue, and white, which represent the Antarctic region.

Composition

The Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1928-1930) was awarded in three formats: Gold (66); Silver (7); and Bronze (9).