Medal

Object Name:

Medal

Object ID:

2005.048.21

Place of Origin:

Russia

Date:

1990

Description:

Medal for service to Murmansk, Russia, World War II. Presented to Lt. Robert Irving Blair (1908-2005) of Newport, NH. Circular bright yellow alloy medal, suspended from a ribbon. Obverse: five-pointed star with dates "1945 1985" at top and figures of a soldier, a woman, and a worker in an heroic pose; in background is the Spassky Tower of the Kremlin, with fireworks on each side; two laurel branches at bottom. Reverse: Russian text with number "40", dates "1941-1945", and hammer and sickle. Ribbon: traditional Russian form, of red, turquoise, orange, and black stripes, folded at an angle; mounted on five-sided piece of aluminum; pin on back.of aluminum.

In original red cardboard box with hinged cover and white interior.

Material:

Metal
Alloy
Aluminum
Textile
Silk

Dimensions:

H-3.4 D-0.1 Dia-1.25 inches

Provenance:

Part of collection of World War II material owned by U.S. Navy Lt. Robert Irving Blair (1908-2005) of Newport, NH. Donated by his daughter.

Lt. Blair served on the merchant ship USS Willard Hall, which was part of a relief convoy delivering goods to the Russian port of Murmansk in 1944. Forty convoys made the run to Murmansk from 1941 to 1945. In 1992, all American members of the convoys were awarded medals by the Russian government in honor of their service. Lt. Blair attended the presentation ceremony at the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, on December 8, 1992.

Credit Line:

Gift of Sarah Brown

People:

Blair, Robert Irving (1908-2005)

Subjects:

World War II, Military service, Medals, Relief (Aid), Relief ships, Convoys, Hammer and sickle, Stars, Laurels