Presented to Kiffin Rockwell of the Lafayette Escadrille. The Legion of Honor (full: the National Order of the Legion of Honor; French: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte in May 1802. The Order is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross).
American citizen Kiffin Rockwell volunteered to fly with the French Air Service during World War I prior to the United States' entry into the conflict. Rockwell was the first American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in World War I. He was killed in action in September 1916, the second American airman to die in combat in France.
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
France
Type
AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons
Physical Description
Order of the Legion of Honor Chevalier; white enamel on silver cross surrounded by green enamel wreath; Obverse: bust of Napoleon in relief in center disk surrounded by blue enamel ring with inscription; crossed French tri-color flags surrounded by blue enamel ring with inscription; solid red silk ribbon.
Dimensions
3-D: 4.1 × 0.6 × 10.6cm (1 5/8 × 1/4 × 4 3/16 in.)
Materials
Silver Alloy
Enamel
Silk
Adhesive Tape
Paper
Adhesive
Ink
Inventory Number
A19620114006
Credit Line
Donated by Mr. Paul A. Rockwell
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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