The oval medal's obverse bears doctor standing behind boy, hands on his neck and abdomen; behind, USC medical center building. Around, FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE; signed at lower left, ABRAM / BELSKIE / Sc.
The reverse bears seal of the county of Los Angeles. Above, FOUNDED 1878; below, LOS ANGELES / COUNTY / USC / MEDICAL / CENTER
The LA County Medical Center dates back to 1878, when the County of Los Angeles opened a 100-bed hospital on Mission Road to care for Los Angeles’ indigent population. The County affiliated with the University of Southern California (USC) Medical School in 1885 for the provision of care.
On December 7, 1930, Hollywood actress Mary Pickford dedicated the 8-ton cornerstone for a modern Los Angeles County General Hospital on State Street. The building opened in 1933 but was damaged by an earthquake in 1994. It was finally replaced in 2008.
The distinguished service medal has been awarded since 1967.
The oval medal measures 62.6mm x 82.4mm and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
References: MACo 1967-106