Ferdinand Foch

The medal's obverse shows Marshall Foch, facing left, above a wreath of laurels. Around, HOMAGE FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO THE VICTORIOUS COMMANDER; signed at lower left C.E.D

The reverse bears two female figures jointly holding wreath with inscribed FOCH; figure at left, symbolizing America, holds shield emblazoned with starts and stripes; figure at right, one breast bared, symbolizing France, holds shield with Massachusetts Native American. Above, IN GRATEFUL / SALUTATION; signed at bottom, NOV. 14 1921 C E Dallin

Marshall Foch (1851-1929) was the Allied Commander-in-Chief who led the French, British, American, and Italian forces to victory in World War I. In 1921 he visited the United States as a guest of the American Legion and received a hero's welcome at every station.

The circular medal was produced by the Gorham Company of Providence, Rhode Island.

The obverse bears facing bust of Marshal Foch. Around, COMMEMORATING THE VISIT OF MARSHALL FOCH TO THE VNITED STATES; to left, MCMXXI; to right, A N S with oak leafs.

The reverse presents winged female figure holding shield, between the shields of France to the left and the United States to the right. Signed at lower left, (RA monogram ) / FECIT

Marshal Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929) was a French soldier, military theorist, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied forces in World War I.

The medal was the 43rd issue of the American Numismatic Society (ANS) in 1921 to commemorate Foch's visit to the United States.

Generals Foch and Pershing had coordinated their trips so that they would arrive more or less simultaneously, even though they were sailing on two different ships. Pershing arrived on Friday, October 28, 1921, two hours before Foch arrived on the Paris. He was given a hero's welcome by the entire city.

The medal measures 64mm in diameter and was struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York. The reported mintage is 1 piece in gold, 94 in silver, 205 in bronze and 1 piece in copper.

References:   ANS 43, MACo 1921-006, Marqusee 5