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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Grand Cross of Merit
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Grand Cross of Merit

Artifact ID1970.10.212 (B)
Object Type Medal
Medium Gold
DimensionsOverall Diam 3 1/4 in (8.3 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionGold medal. Grand Cross of Merit from the Sovereign Order of Malta. Convex eight-pointed star with an enameled gold cross and medal in the center. Inscribed: "Mil. Ordo Equitum Melit. Bene Merenti".
Historical NoteIn 1962, Lyndon Johnson was awarded the Grand Cross of Merit. Awarded by Order of Malta, the Grand Cross of Merit is the highest decoration a non-Catholic can receive.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to Vice-President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by Vice-President Johnson personally, until the Vice-President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Not on view
Place Gifted