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This medal was authorized on July 9, 1918 for exceptional meritorious service to the United States in duty of great responsibility with the U.S. Army. Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault, the leader of the American Volunteer Group (also known as the Flying Tigers) during the Second World War, recieved this Distinguished Service Medal in 1942 for his leadership of the Flying Tigers, and was awarded the oak leaf cluster device in lieu of a second medal in 1945 after his retirement from the Army.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons Physical Description Distinguished Service Medal presented to Gen. Claire Chennault; Obverse: bronze cross with American eagle depicted in center; embossed letter text; Reverse: inscription surrounded by laurel leaf wreath; white silk ribbon with thick red stripes at edges, separated from center of ribbon by thin blue stripes; oak leaf cluster device at center. Dimensions 3-D: 3.8 x 1.3 x 7.6cm (1 1/2 x 1/2 x 3 in.)
 Materials White metal alloy, silk, brass, lacquered brass, enamel
 Inventory Number A19630377000 Credit Line Donated by Mrs. Anna Chennault Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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