Buzz Aldrin's Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, Presented to him by President Nixon

Auction Closed

July 26, 06:15 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Gold-colored metal badge in the form of a star of five white enamel points with a gold eagle with wings spread between each pair of points on the star. 3 by 3 inches. Each eagle stands on a red enamel triangle. In the center is a constellation of 13 gold stars set in a field of blue, surrounded by a gold rim. The reverse of the medal bears the unique serial number D-25 and is inscribed “PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, COLONEL EDWIN E. ALDRIN, JR. USAF AUGUST 13, 1969.”

TOGETHER WITH: Blue and white striped grosgrain shoulder sash finished at the hip with a rosette to which is affixed a circular medal bearing a constellation of 13 gold stars set in a field of blue enamel. The medals are accompanied by a ribbon bar in blue and white surmounted with a gold eagle, and a 2 by 2 inch medal identical in design to the 3 inch medal on a blue ribbon. The tip of the white star on the 2 inch medal is chipped away. The verso is inscribed "PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, Buzz Aldrin. August 13, 1969" with the unique serial number 150. Trace amounts of adhesive on verso of medal.

Note: for the miniature medal awarded with these items, please see Lot 59.

Directly from the Personal Collection of Apollo 11 Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin

THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM PRESENTED TO ALDRIN BY PRESIDENT NIXON IN AUGUST 1969

The Presidential Medal of Freedom represents the supreme civil decoration in the United States. It was established by President Kennedy in 1963 through Executive Order 11085, replacing the earlier Medal of Freedom created by President Truman in 1945 to honor civilian service during World War II. The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." The award is not limited to U.S. citizens, and while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to members of the military.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction is a special grade of the medal, having a larger execution of the medal, and includes a sash with an additional medal affixed to it. The ordinary Medal of Freedom is worn around the neck on a blue ribbon with white edge stripes; and its other accoutrements (smaller pendant, ribbon bar, and lapel badge) are surmounted with silver rather than gold eagles.

CONDITION REPORT:

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