Capt. St. Clair Streett and his fellow pilots of the Alaskan Flying Expedition made one of the greatest flights in aviation. They received numerous honors and awards as they journeyed to and from Alaska over 9,000 miles. The Aero Club of America (today’s National Aeronautic Association), the nation’s premier aviation organization, bestowed upon them medals of merit upon their return. As the decades of the 1920s progressed, subsequent flights of spectacle overshadowed the expedition’s achievement, which is largely forgotten today.

Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons

Physical Description

Aero Club of America Aviation Medal of Merit; Obverse: relief of an eagle flying over the globe, embossed text "AERO CLUB OF AMERICA"; Reverse: inscribed text "AWARDED TO CAPTAIN ST. CLAIR STREET FOR THE MERITORIOUS FLIGHT MINEOLA - ALASKA 9000 MILES NINETEEN TWENTY"; bronze hanger with embossed text "Avaition Medal of Merit"; red silk ribbon.

Dimensions

3-D: 3.5 x 1.3 x 8.5cm (1 3/8 x 1/2 x 3 3/8 in.)

Materials

Medal and Hanger: Bronze
Ribbon: Silk

Inventory Number

A19830353000

Credit Line

Donated by Mrs. St. Clair Streett

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
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