Buzz Aldrin's Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

Auction Closed

July 26, 06:15 PM GMT

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal. 2 1/4 inches in diameter, gold-colored alloy, obverse with sunburst of thirteen gold rays separated by thirteen white enameled stars, semiprecious blue stone at center, reverse engraved at center, "Edwin E. Aldrin Jr." Star suspended from ribbon by slotted bar consisting of stylized wings symbolic of the Air Force.

Ribbon with wide center stripe of white flanked on either side by thin stripe of gold, wide stripe of blue, and narrow strip of gold at edges. Blue stone at center represents the vault of the heavens; the thirteen stars represent the original colonies and man's chain of achievements; the sunburst represents the glory that accompanies great achievements, and the rays depict man's quest for light and knowledge.

Note: for the miniature medal awarded with this item, please see Lot 59.

Directly from the Personal Collection of Apollo 11 Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal twice, once for his actions as Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 11 from July 16 to 24, 1969, and again for his "exceptionally meritorious service" to the United States government from June 1, 1951 to February 29, 1972, as combat pilot in the Korean War and for his work on the space program. However, only this medal for his work on Apollo 11 was bestowed; Aldrin received a bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of the second awarded medal.

REFERENCES:

https://www.afpc.af.mil/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/421929/distinguished-service-medal/

CONDITION REPORT:

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