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National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Artifact ID1989.1106.3
Object Type Medal
Gifter
Date before 1975
Medium metal, ribbon
DimensionsOverall H 2 3/4 in x W 1 1/2 in (7 cm x 3.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA round bronze medal features a raised eagle with outstretched wings perched on a sword wrapped in a palm leaf. Curvy text is above the image. The medal is suspended from a round metal loop that hangs from a vertically-striped red, white, blue, and yellow ribbon.
Historical NoteA veteran who signed his name “Captain Chapman” returned this service medal to President Gerald R. Ford in an act of political protest following Ford's decision to grant clemency to draft evaders.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe general public gifted the item to President Gerald R. Ford during his term in office. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in September 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPublic Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74639696)
Use Restriction Status Unrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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