United States. Two Miniature Medals & Decorations, C.1919

Two First War issued miniature awards including; Distinguished Service Cross in bronze, measuring 22.2mm (w) x 29 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring suspension), on period ribbon, with period open catch suspension, extremely fine. A Chateau-Thierry Medal, in silver, with sash-like suspension inscribed ‘CHATEAU-THIERRY COTE 204’; the face with the head and shoulders portraits of the Marquis de Lafayette and George Washington, both facing left, circumscribed ‘WASHINGTON’ on the left and ‘LAFAYETTE’ on the right, signed ‘GASTON LAVRILLIER’ (for the artist Gaston-Albert Lavrillier, 1885-1958), the reverse with the rayed insignia of a knight of the Legion d’Honneur below the inscription ‘CHATEAU THIERRY 18 JUILLET 1918’, circumscribed above ‘LA VICTOIRE APPARAIT’ (Victory appeared); age-toned; on original age-faded period ribbon with slight staining, measuring 16.2mm (w) x 2 mm (h) mounted for wear, very fine.

Footnote: The medal was instituted by the town of Château Thierry in 1920 to recognise the bravery of French and American soldiers who fought in the battle of Chateau Thierry on 18 July 1918. This was one of the earliest battles involving troops of the American Expeditionary Force under General John J. Pershing and ended in decisive Allied victory, giving the first indication that American forces would tip the balance and bring the war to a successful conclusion. Hill 204 referred to on the suspension was a crucial position taken by American forces. The medal is one of the earliest World War I veterans’ medals, one of the rarest and, because of its American connotations, one of the most sought-after. A very good example.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.