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This gold medal was part of the Howard N. Potts Medal award given to Dr. Charles Stark Draper by The Franklin Institute in October 1960. The award, first given in 1924, is presented "for distinguished work in science or the arts, important development of previous basic discoveries, or inventions of products of superior excellence or utilizing important principles." Dr. Draper received the award for his development of inertial navigation systems and the resulting improvements in navigation accuracy in ships, rockets, missiles, and spacecraft.

Dr. Draper donated a collection of his awards, including this medal, to the National Collection in 1974.

 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 Manufacturer The Franklin Institute
 Dimensions 3-D: 3.8 × 0.2cm (1 1/2 × 1/16 in.)
Storage: 8.9 × 8.9 × 5.1cm (3 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 2 in.)
 Materials Gold Alloy (18K)
 Inventory Number A19800507000 Credit Line Gift of Dr. Charles S. Draper Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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