Issued by
United States Army, American, founded 1775
Received by
General Powell, Colin L., American, 1937 - 2021
Subject of
United States Armed Forces, American, founded 1775
United States Department of Defense
Date
December 1968
Medium
bronze and silk (fiber)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 3 × 1 3/8 × 1 9/16 in. (7.6 × 3.5 × 4 cm)
Caption
Major Colin Powell was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 November 1968, Major Powell survived a helicopter crash. Despite being injured in the crash, he repeatedly returned to the burning helicopter to rescue others. For his actions, he was awarded the Soldier's Medal a month later in December 1968.
Description
One (1) Soldier’s Medal awarded to General Colin L. Powell. This octagonal bronze medal is suspended by a double-sided blue silk ribbon featuring thirteen (13) red-and-white stripes and has engraved depictions on both the front and obverse sides. On the front is an American eagle standing on fasces with outspread wings raised. On either side of the eagle are six (6) (left) and seven (7) stars (right). On the obverse is a “US” striped shield with laurel and oak on either side. The words “SOLDIER’S MEDAL / FOR VALOR” are inscribed across the upper and bottom sides. At the base in a blank panel for engraving the medal recipient’s name.
Place used
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Awards, Medals, and Insignia
Type
medals
Topic
Government
Military
Vietnam War, 1961-1975
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alma J. Powell
Object number
A2022.101.1.57
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd59e9f744e-373b-4f28-afd0-e1b5349c53ce

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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