Army, Navy, and Air Force Distinguished Service Medals

Army: a lapis enameled ring inscribed "For Distinguished Service 1918" surrounding a pierced gilt eagle clasping an olive branch in one talon and fasces in the other, attached to a broad hanger with a red, white and blue striped grosgrain ribbon. Navy: A solid gold metal eagle in relief within a lapis enamel band inscribed "United States of America Navy,"  a white enamel star and anchor hanger suspended by  a  navy grosgrain ribbon with yellow stripe at center. Air Force: a brass sunburst with a blue cabochon center surrounded by white enamel stars attached to a broad hanger with grosgrain ribbon with alternating stripes of yellow, navy, yellow and white.  Mounted on black velvet with a brass presentation plaque dated 29 February 1968, glazed and set within a beveled wooden frame.

The Distinguished Service Medal is an award that is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility. Awards may be made to persons other than members of the Armed Forces of the United States for wartime services only, and then only under exceptional circumstances, with the express approval of the president in each case. McNamara left office on 29 February 1968, as indicated on the plaque. For his dedicated efforts, President  Johnson awarded him both the Distinguished Service Medals and the Medal of Freedom (see Lot 73).