Myron T. Herrick Commemorative Medal

1914

Place madeParis, France, Europe

Bronze

Overall (Medal): 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm)

Gift of Mr. James Hazen Hyde

1947.337

Myron T. Herrick (1854-1929) was the U.S. Ambassador to France in 1912-1914 and 1921-1929. During the World War I, with Germans advancing on Paris, the French government, along with most foreign dipomats, relocated to the relative safety of Bordeaux. Herrick chose to stay in Paris, a decision that won him praise from both the French and the American people.

DescriptionBronze struck medal with obverse showing clothed bust of Myron Herrick facing left with legend: "MYRON. T. HERRICK AMBASSADEVR DES ETATS-VNIS A PARIS." Reverse contains inscription at center, with the Great Seal of the United States above and laurel branches below: "EN CE MOMENT, IL SERAIT TRES UTILE POUR LA FRANCE/QUE L'AMBASSADEUR AMERICAIN FUT TUE/PAR UNE BOMBE D'AEROPLANE ALLEMAND./IL EST DES INSTANTS OUUN AMBASSADEUR MORT/VAUT MIEUX QU'UN AMBASSADEUR VIVANT./PAROLES PRONONCEES A PARIS LE 27 SEPTEMBRE 1914/[Herrick's signature]."

MarkingsInscription: obverse, on bust truncation, at right: "J.P.LEGASTELOIS" Inscription: reverse, at lower right of field: "JPL" Inscription: edge, lower center: "BRONZE"

ClassificationsMEDALS