Appendix A to Part 1221 - Congressional Space Medal of Honor
14:5.0.1.1.19.4.1.1.6 : Appendix A
Appendix A to Part 1221 - Congressional Space Medal of Honor
Obverse description
A circular green enamel wreath of laurel surmounted by a
five-pointed gold star (with vertical point downward) and issuing
from between each point a gold flame, the star surmounted by a
light blue enamel cloud bank with five lobes edged in gold bearing
a five-pointed dark blue enamel star fimbriated gold and charged in
center with a diamond; standing upon the wreath at top center a
gold eagle with wings displayed.
symbolism
The laurel wreath, a symbol of great achievement, with the
overlapping star points, simulates space vehicles moving to greater
accomplishments through space. The flames signify the dynamic
energy of the rocket era and the imagination of the men in the
space program of the United States. The stylized glory cloud
alludes to the glory in the coat of arms of the United States and
to the high esteem of the award. The dark blue voided star
symbolizes the vast mysteries of outer space while the brilliancy
of the feat is represented by a diamond. The eagle with wings
raised in the spirit of peace represents man's first landing on
another planet.
Reverse description
The reverse bears in center the inscription “CONGRESSIONAL”
arranged in a semicircle above the inscription “SPACE MEDAL
PRESENTED TO”; in base is space for the name of the recipient and
the date all within an outer circle of fifty stars.
Suspension Ribbon description
A ribbon 1 3/8 inches in width consisting of the following
vertical stripes: gold 1/16 inch, dark blue 1/4 inch, light blue
9/32 inch, white 1/16 inch, red 1/16 inch, white 1/16 inch, light
blue 9/32 inch, dark blue 1/4 inch, gold 1/16 inch.
| Gold |
65021 (old gold). |
| Dark Blue |
70076 (independence
blue). |
| Blue |
65014 (light blue). |
| Red |
65006 (scarlet). |
| White |
65005. |
symbolism
The scarlet center line on the white band symbolizes the courage
of the astronauts in the nation's manned space program and the fire
power of rockets that carry the crew through the earth's atmosphere
(light blue); the light blue is the same color as the chief of the
shield of the coat of arms of the United States which appears on
the President's flag. The dark blue symbolizes the hostile
environment of space, the gold edge representing success and
accomplishment. Red, white and blue are also the national colors of
the United States.
Miniature description
A one-half size replica of the medal and suspension ribbon
approximately 2 5/16 inches in overall length.
Lapel Emblem description
A miniature of the obverse of the medal, 9/16 inch in diameter,
all gold with a diamond in center.
Rosette description
One-half inch in diameter in the colors of the ribbon.