Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Presented to Kiffin Rockwell of the Lafayette Escadrille. The Médaille militaire (English: Military Medal) is a military decoration of the French Republic for all ranks for acts of bravery in action against an enemy force. It was established by Emperor Napoleon III in 1852 and is awarded only for military service.

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 French Medalille Militaire; silver medal; obverse bust of Napoleon depicted in center surrounded by blue enamel ring with inscription "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAIS 1870"; Reverse: inscription "VALEUR ET DISCIPLINE" surrounded by blue enamel ring; medal hangs from ribbon by crossed cannons, anchor, and armor breast plate; yellow silk ribbon with light green stripes. Dimensions 3-D: 3.7 × 10.2 × 0.6cm (1 7/16 × 4 × 1/4 in.)
 Materials Medal:
Silver
Gold Plating
Ribbon:
Silk
Ink
Steel
 Inventory Number A19620114001 Credit Line Donated by Mr. Paul A. Rockwell Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.