Orders, Decorations and Medals

Chile, City of Valparaiso, Medal of Honour, circular badge in gold and enamel, 30 mm, loop for suspension neatly repaired, the reverse inscribed (Sr. Almirante Richard E. Byrd, Abril 29. 1940.) with neck ribbon in case of issue, nearly extremely fine

Rear-Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, U.S.N., Pioneer Aviator and Polar Explorer, was one of America’s most highly honoured citizens. Among his more notable achievements were the first flight to the North Pole in 1926, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the first flight to the South Pole in 1929, and various trans- Atlantic flights. For his Polar exploration, by air and on land, he was showered with awards from Societies, Cities and States from around the world. In 1939-40 he commanded the U.S. Antarctic Service Expedition to Antarctica for which he probably received the above award from Valparaiso.