Silver Star Medal Set
Artifact ID1973.2765.1 (A-C)
Object Type
Medal
Date
1942
Medium
Silver, Gold, Cloth
DimensionsOverall (A) H 2 3/4 in x W 1 1/2 in (7 cm x 3.8 cm )
Overall (B) H 1/2 in x W 1 1/2 in (1.3 cm x 3.8 cm )
Overall (C) H 1/8 in x W 1/2 in (0.3 cm x 1.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionOverall (B) H 1/2 in x W 1 1/2 in (1.3 cm x 3.8 cm )
Overall (C) H 1/8 in x W 1/2 in (0.3 cm x 1.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionSilver Star 3-piece medal set in original box. (A): A gold star with a red/white/blue ribbon. Reverse inscription: "For Gallantry in Action" "LBJ". (B): Red/white/blue service ribbon. (C): Red/white/blue lapel pin. Medal #54414. The box is black leather with gold velvet interior. Gold text on top: "Silver Star Medal".
Historical NoteCongressman Lyndon B. Johnson was a member of the United States Naval Reserve when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Two days after the attack, on December 9, 1941, he requested an indefinite leave of absence and applied for active duty, making him one of the first members of Congress to volunteer for an active military role. When General Douglas MacArthur questioned LBJ on his insistence on flying the Lae mission during World War II, he explained he needed to see exactly what American troops had to face and that he wanted servicemen to know their congressman was willing to share the dangers of military service. At the end of that meeting, General MacArthur awarded LBJ with the Silver Star for "gallantry in action on a flight over enemy territory."Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view