| United States Antarctic Expedition Medal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Medal in Gold, Silver, and Bronze |
| Awarded for | Valuable services to the Nation in the field of polar exploration and science |
| Presented by | Department of the Navy |
| Eligibility | Members of U.S. Antarctic Expedition (1939–1941) |
| Status | Obsolete; replaced by Antarctica Service Medal |
| Established | September 24, 1945 |
.png){kind=small} Ribbon bar | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | World War II Victory Medal[1] |
| Next (lower) | Navy Occupation Service Medal[1] |
| Related | Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal Antarctica Service Medal |
The United States Antarctic Expedition Medal is a combined military-civilian award that was authorized by the United States Congress on September 24, 1945 under Public Law 185 of the 79th Congress (59 Stat. 536).[2] The award recognizes members of the United States Antarctic Expedition of 1939–1941. There were gold, silver, and bronze versions. It is unclear if the gold version is considered a Congressional Gold Medal, as was the case with the 1st Byrd expedition.[3]
- ^ a b "Medals and Awards Manual COMDTINST M1650.25D" (PDF). Directives and Publications Division website. May 2008. pp. 22–3. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
- ^ United States Antarctic Expedition Medal (1939-1941)
- ^ "Congressional Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals awarded to the members of Rear Admiral Richard Byrd's first Antarctic expedition". artandhistory.house.gov. Retrieved 2012-09-13.