Medals Related to Washington

The medal's obverse bears map of the two Americas flanked by allegorical female figures representing continents, extending arms towards middle, one bearing a caduceus representnig science, other olive branch representing friendship. Around, FRIENDSHIP · SOLIDARITY · AND · PROGRESS · THROUGH · SCIENTIFIC · ACHIEVEMENT

The medal's reverse bears oil lamp at top and olive branch running around left edge. Across, SECOND / PAN-AMERICAN / SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS / DEC. 27. 1915 - JAN. 8. 1916 / WASHINGTON / U · S · A

Many thanks to the creator of sallyjamesfarnham.org for the images of this medal.

The obverse bears angel of peace (or victory) in center, U.S. infantrymen to left, navy gunner to right. Signed at lower right, S.

The reverse bears heraldic symbols of the victorios Entente nations above Gridiron Club symbol. Below, THIRTY - FOURTH / ANNUAL PEACE DINNER / THE GRIDIRON CLUB / WASHINGTON D.C. / DEC. 13. 1919.

The Gridiron Club, founded in 1885, is the oldest journalistic organization in Washington, D.C. The club is best known for its annual dinner which traditionally features the United States Marine Band, along with satirical musical skits by the members and remarks by the President of the United States and representatives of each political party. The skits and speeches by various politicians are expected to be self-deprecating or otherwise sharply comedic. Since its inception, every President except Grover Cleveland has spoken at the dinner.

The thirtyfourth annual dinner held on December 13, 1919 was called the "Peace Dinner" to celebrate the end of World War I and the beginning of a long lasting peace after "the war to end all wars" had come to an end. Woodrow Wilson used his speech to thank the nation for its efforts and to chart out the future of international relations.

The medal measures 70mm in diameter and was struck by the U.S. Mint.

The medal's obverse bears portrait of Andrew Jackson, facing half left. Below, AT THE TIME THE POTOMAC INSURANCE / COMPANY WAS ORGANIZED "OLD HICKORY" / WAS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES / AND SIGNED THE SPECIAL ACT OF / CONGRESS GRANTING THE COMPANY'S / CHARTER.; below, in script, Approved 2nd March 1831 / Andrew Jackson; signed at right, (JMS monogram)

The reverse bears view of Capitol.  In centerfield, CENTENARY. / 1831 - 1931; around, THE POTOMAC INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ·

The medal measures 70.6mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1931-050

The medal's obverse bears portrait of Benjamin Ourisman facing left. Around, BENJAMIN OURISMAN MEMORIAL CIVIC AWARD; signed on truncation, G. ROBERTS 1957

The reverse bears Star of David at top. Below, PRESENTED TO / (cartouche) / BY THE / JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER / OF WASHINGTON / IN RECOGNITION OF / OUTSTANDING AND MERITORIOUS / SERVICES / (cartouche)

The circular medal measures 75.6mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1957-064

References:   MACo 1965-043

The medal's obverse bears view of the Memorial building. Around, · DEDICATED AUGUST 1967 · / CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS OF THE U.S.A.; under building, WASHINGTON,D.C.

The reverse bears legend within beaded border. Around, GOD · · · COUNTRY · · · HOME / · · · (cross with laurels) · · ·; across center, OUR DEAD / · ARE NOT · / UNKNOWN / SOLDIERS

The Monsignor Edward J. Higgins Memorial Building is located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, D.C., and was dedicated in August 1967, a time when America was heavily involved in the ever more unpopular Vietnam war.

I can't be sure, but the legend on the reverse can be read as a gesture of defiance by the Catholic War Veterans against both the government's handling of the war and the public's increasing lack of support for veterans.

The circular medal measures 63.6mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York.  No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1967-034