The medal's obverse bears bust of Theobald Smith, r. Around, STUDENT OF DISEASE - THEOBALD SMITH; in bottom corners, 1859 - 1934; signed and dated at left, (HW c 39 monogram)
The reverse bears legend only. In circle, THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS - FOR MICROBIOLOGY; in center, NEW / YORK / 1939
Theobald Smith (1859-1934) was a pioneering epidemiologist and pathologist and is widely considered to be America's first internationally significant medical research scientist. In the year before his death, Smith was awarded the Royal Society's prestigious Copley Medal "For his original research and observation on diseases of animals and man."
The Third International Congress for Microbiology was held from September 2nd to September 9th 1939 in New York City.
The square medal measures 51.9mm x 51.9mm and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
References: MACo 1939-016, Marqusee 395