This pin signifies Base Honor Guard in the United States Air Force. A young enlisted man who served in the honor guard at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, in February 2003, sent it to the Museum with a variety of his honor guard accessories. When the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during reentry over Texas on February 1, 2003, Barksdale AFB became the collection site for vehicle debris and human remains. The members of the base honor guard had the sudden duty of handling flags and caskets bearing remains of the seven astronauts who perished in the accident. The honor guard items were offered to the Museum as a tribute to the Columbia crew.

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

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Accessories

Dimensions

3-D: 5.1 × 1.1cm (2 × 7/16 in.)
Storage: 10.2 × 10.2 × 6.4cm (4 × 4 × 2 1/2 in.)

Materials

Non-Magentic White Metal Alloy
Enamel
Copper Alloy

Inventory Number

A20040259000

Credit Line

Gift of Scott A. Stesney.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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