American Defense Service Medal

Name/Title

American Defense Service Medal

Description

A yellow ribbon with two mirrored vertical stripes of blue, white, and red on either side. The bronze medal hanging from the ribbon depicts a woman holding a sword and shield and standing on an oak branch.

Use

The American Defense Service Military Medal is awarded to service members on active duty between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941.

Context

From the collection of Stephen Fitch, who was part of the inaugural crew and a plankowner of the USS Yorktown (CV-10). Stephen Fitch was a Lt. Commander in the Engineering Department on the USS Yorktown (CV-10). An artist at heart, Fitch would draw both small cartoons and comics as well as detailed schematics of engine compartments and staterooms. Fitch is also the artist behind the squadron emblems on the flight deck killboards.

Collection

Stephen Fitch Collection

Acquisition

Accession

2018.6

Source or Donor

Richard G. Fitch

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Date made

1939 - 1941

Update Date

February 3, 2025