The medal's obverse bears a flaming torch of leadership, a sword of valor and a laurel wreath of peace; On circumference, UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY / SESQUICENTENNIAL; across, 1802 / 1952 / ©
The reverse shows a spread eagle below a rising sun standing on a shield, clutching arrows, and an inscribed ribbon with legend DUTY / HONOR / COUNTRY / WEST POINT / MDCCCII / USMA. A battle helmet of military service with the rod of authority are superimposed on the shield. On circumference, WEST POINT / DUTY / HONOR / COUNTRY.
This medal was commissioned for the anniversary celebration and distributed free of charge to schools, libraries, and civic groups for several years thereafter.
Laura Gardin Fraser maintained a long and productive relationship with Westpoint. In addition to this medal she designed West Point's Sylvanus Thayer medal in 1957 and. Finally, just before her death, she completed the American History bronze panels at the new library of the United States Military Academy at West Point. She had started working on them in 1935, "for love of country" as she said. Her patience was rewarded in 1964 when the panels were cast in bronze and installed at West Point.
The circular medal measures 50.8mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
References: MACo 1951-020