Adolphe Pegoud medal

1915-1919

Place madeParis, France, Europe

Bronze; wood, leather, silk

Overall (diam.): 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
Container (case): 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 11/16 in. (6.4 × 6.4 × 1.7 cm)

279

Prior to World War I, Adolphe Pegoud (1889-1915) achieved international fame as one of the first aerobatic pilots by demonstrating aerial maneuvers previously thought impossible. During the war, after downing five German planes, he was described as a Flying Ace - the first use of that term. He died in combat in 1915.

DescriptionBronze struck medal honoring Adolphe Pegoud; with obverse showing shoulder-length portrait of Pegoud in uniform, facing three-quarters to right and flanked by dates: "1882" and "1915"; legend above: "ADOLPHE PEGOUD." Reverse depicts female figure of Liberty in uniform, holding rifle and laurel branch; airplane in background; surrounding legend: "-AU.HEROS.NATIONAL- / LA.PATRIE.RECONNAISANTE." Medal is inset into square red leather fitted case with red silk satin and silk velvet interior.

MarkingsObverse marked at lower right of field: "J.P.LEGASTELOIS"; marked at edge, lower center: "BRONZE"

ClassificationsMEDALS