United States - Navy Distinguished Service Medal

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A Navy Distinguished Service Medal by Graco-GI. Instituted February 4, 1919, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to the Navy and Marine Corp for exceptional meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility. It is constructed out of a die struck bronze base that has been gold gilded and contains blue and white enamel work. The round shaped obverse features an American bald eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive leaf in his right talon and arrows in his left. This is surrounded by “United States of America Navy” (in gold script on a blue background) and bordered in a wave pattern. The reverse features a trident surrounded by a laurel leaf and berry wreath, “For Distinguished Service” (in gold script on a blue background) and a wave pattern. To the top is a suspension swivel hinge which holds a white star (with ball points and rays coming out of the inside arms) which an anchor to its center. The top feature a ring which holds a blue and yellow ribbon. The reverse of the ribbon features a rectangular plate that is maker marked: “GRACO-GI” and has a soldered-on hinge, pin and catch assembly. It measures 1 5/16 inches in diameter.