United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal

Paul Manship, United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal, 1919, gold-plated and enameled bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1965.16.97
Copied 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

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
Mediums Description
gold-plated and enameled bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Emblem — star
  • Architecture — boat — detail
  • Animal — bird — eagle
Object Number
1965.16.97
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/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.