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Distinguished Service Dress Medal to President Kennedy
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; photography credit Joel Benjamin
Distinguished Service Dress Medal to President Kennedy
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; photography credit Joel Benjamin

Distinguished Service Dress Medal to President Kennedy

Artifact IDMO 63.1797.1.2b
Date 1961
Maker (American, Founded 1919)
Medium 10k gold, ribbon
Dimensionsoverall: 9/16 in. (1.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionDress version of American 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 StatusCopyright- non NARA
Not on view