This medal was part of the U.S. Navy's Distinguished Public Service award given to Dr. Charles S. Draper in February 1956. The award recognizes civilians who have made significant contributions to the U.S. Navy in a wide range of fields. Dr. Draper received the award for his work as the Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Instrumentation Laboratory, which developed guidance systems for both surface vessels and submarines. Dr. Draper also received this award in 1960.

Dr. Draper donated the 1956 medal, ribbon, and lapel button 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

Dimensions

Overall: 8.3 × 3.8 × 1cm (3 1/4 × 1 1/2 × 3/8 in.)
Storage: 13.3 × 8.9 × 5.7cm (5 1/4 × 3 1/2 × 2 1/4 in.)

Materials

Gold Alloy
Synthetic Fabric

Inventory Number

A19800492000

Credit Line

Gift of Dr. Charles S. Draper

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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