United States Antarctica Service Expedition Medal

Admiral Byrd founded USAS in 1939 to promote the continued exploration of the South Pole but WWII forced the demise of the program after only one expedition. The USAS medal combined military-civilian award that was authorized by the Congress on September 1945. A total of 160 medals were issued; 60 gold, 50 silver, and 50 bronze.




“By act of Congress of the United States of America to _____ In recognition of invaluable service to this nation by courageous pioneering in polar exploration which resulted in important geographical and scientific discoveries.”