United States Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal (reverse)

Paul Manship, United States Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal (reverse), 1942, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.140
Copied Paul Manship, United States Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal (reverse), 1942, bronze, overall: 2 1⁄2 in. (6.4 cm) diam. 1 7⁄8 in. (4.8 cm) diam. of medal, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.140

Artwork Details

Title
United States Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal (reverse)
Artist
Date
1942
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
overall: 2 1⁄2 in. (6.4 cm) diam. 1 7⁄8 in. (4.8 cm) diam. of medal
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Emblem — military insignia
  • Emblem — seal
  • Allegory — civic — military
Object Number
1966.47.140
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.47.140

Artwork Description

The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal has been awarded since 1939 to seamen who have distinguished themselves through outstanding conduct or service in the line of duty. Paul Manship’s artist’s strike, or sample, shows a preliminary design for the reverse. The eight spokes of the ship’s wheel repeat the eight points of the stylized compass on the obverse.