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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