Skip to main content
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administ…
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration
Distinguished Service Medal to President John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration

Distinguished Service Medal to President John F. Kennedy

Artifact IDMO 63.1797.1.2a
Object Type Medal, Commemortive
Date 1961
Maker (American, Founded 1919)
Medium 10K gold, textile
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Physical DescriptionAmerican Legion distinguished service medal inscribed to John F. Kennedy, 1961. Medal hangs from an olive and navy grosgrain ribbon.
Historical NoteFor his Navy service during World War II, his time in Congress and his work as the nation's commander in chief, Kennedy received this Legion's Distinguished Service Medal in 1961. Nearly 1,000 Legionnaires traveled to the White House to bestow the honor on him.
John Kennedy was a member of Crosscup-Pishon Post 281 in Boston, MA
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was presented to President Kennedy at the White House in 1961 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Not on view