- 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
- 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.




