Exceptional Naval and Polar Awards from the Collection of RC Witte

The American Medal of Freedom and National Aeronautic Association (Paris Chapter) Medal awarded to Admiral Richard Byrd, the famous pioneer of long distance flight and polar exploration

U.S.A., Medal of Freedom (Richard E. Byrd), in its case of issue, with related dress miniature, tunic riband and lapel fitment, extremely fine

National Aeronautic Association of the U.S.A., Paris Chapter, silver medal, by E. Blin, obverse, Icarus clasping rock in rough seas, biplane above, reverse, three female figures reclining on globe, wreath below, engraved on the rim above, ‘For Non Stop Transatlantic Flight America to France’, and on tablet below, ‘Paris France Chapter National Aeronautic Assn. U.S.A. to Com. Richard E. Byrd U.S.N.’, and ‘June 1927’, 68mm., contained in its fitted case of issue, extremely fine (5) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Exceptional Naval and Polar Awards from the Collection of RC Witte.

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Ex-Sotheby’s, 10 November 1988 (Lots 394 and 423).

Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, United States Navy, was one of America's most distinguished pioneers of long distance flight and polar exploration. Having completed the first flight over the North Pole in May 1926, Byrd determined to make the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic ocean from west to east. With two companions, Byrd took off from New York in the Fokker trimoror “America” on the 29 June, 1927 and, after 42 hours in the air, reached the coast of France and crash landed at Ver-sur-Mer in Brittany. Byrd and his two companions were given a hero's welcome in New York with an official reception by the Mayor who presented Byrd with the Medal of Valour.