Wooden box with hinged lid covered in brown leather; silver colored latch; interior lined with red satin; medal mount lined with red velvet
Summary:
The Medal of Honor was instituted in 1861 and is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action involving actual with opposing armed forces. It is the highest military honor awarded in the United States. This medal was awarded to Floyd Bennett for participating with Richard Byrd on first flight over the North Pole on May 9, 1926.
Citation: For distinguishing himself conspicuously by courage and intrepidity at the risk of his life as a member of the Byrd Arctic Expedition and thus contributing largely to the success of the first heavier-than-air flight to the North Pole and return.
