United States. A Distinguished Flying Cross, C.1945

In bronze gilt, 44 mm (w) x 49 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring suspension, original ribbon with brooch pinback, green oxidation evident on the obverse, contact marks, surface wear, fine.

Footnote: The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The first award of the Distinguished Flying Cross was made by President Calvin Coolidge on May 2, 1927, to ten aviators of the U.S. Army Air Corps who had participated in the U.S. Army Pan American Flight, which took place from December 21, 1926 to May 2, 1927. Two of the airmen died in a mid-air collision trying to land at Buenos Aires on February 26, 1927, and received their awards posthumously. (C:102)