United States Antarctic Expedition Medal
Encyclopedia
The United States Antarctic Expedition Medal is a combined military-civilian award that was authorized by the United States Congress
on September 24, 1945 under Public Law 185 of the 79th Congress
. The decoration recognizes those United States citizens who participated in polar exploration on Antarctica between 1939 and 1945.
The first United States Antarctic Expedition Medal was presented to Admiral
Richard E. Byrd. The medal was similar to the Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal, awarded for similar actions on the continent of Antarctica.
The United States Antarctic Expedition Medal was an authorized military decoration for wear on a United States military uniform. Shortly after its issuance, however, the medal became regarded as a commemorative decoration although it was typically worn on active duty uniforms. In 1960, the medal was declared obsolete following the creation of the Antarctica Service Medal
.
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
on September 24, 1945 under Public Law 185 of the 79th Congress
79th United States Congress
The Seventy-ninth United States Congress was a meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, composed of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. It met in Washington, DC from January 3, 1945 to January 3, 1947, during the last months of...
. The decoration recognizes those United States citizens who participated in polar exploration on Antarctica between 1939 and 1945.
The first United States Antarctic Expedition Medal was presented to Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
Richard E. Byrd. The medal was similar to the Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal, awarded for similar actions on the continent of Antarctica.
The United States Antarctic Expedition Medal was an authorized military decoration for wear on a United States military uniform. Shortly after its issuance, however, the medal became regarded as a commemorative decoration although it was typically worn on active duty uniforms. In 1960, the medal was declared obsolete following the creation of the Antarctica Service Medal
Antarctica Service Medal
The Antarctica Service Medal was established by the United States Congress on July 7, 1960 under Public Law 600 of the 86th Congress. The medal was intended as a military award to replace several commemorative awards which had been issued for previous Antarctica expeditions from 1928 to 1941...
.