Paul Manship, United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal, 1919, gold-plated and enameled bronze, overall: 3 5⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. (9.2 x 4.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1965.16.97
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Artwork Details
- Title
- United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal
- Artist
- Date
- 1919
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- overall: 3 5⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. (9.2 x 4.2 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of the artist
- Mediums Description
- gold-plated and enameled bronze
- Subjects
- Architecture — boat — detail
- Emblem — star
- Animal — bird — eagle
- Object Number
- 1965.16.97
Artwork Description
Congress authorized the United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal on February 4, 1919. The medal is awarded for meritorious service in the Navy, whether in combat or noncombat operations. In Paul Manship’s design the American eagle appears on the obverse and Poseidon’s trident on the reverse. The pendant medal hangs from a five-pointed star and pentagon symbolizing the five branches of the American military.