A Highly Rare and Important Richard E. Byrd Mayor's Official Reception Gold Medal dated 1926

This highly important medal was given to Capt. Frank Monroe Upton (1896-1962), winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1918 and hero of the sea rescue of H M S Antinoe in January 1926. The Richard E. Byrd medal is octagonal in shape and gold electroplated and measures 1 3/8" across. The pin bar is inscribed "The Mayor's Committee, City of New York." The front of the medal is inscribed "Official Reception to Lt. Commander Richard E. Byrd and Staff, 1926." The reverse side is also insribed and reads "The Honorable James J. Walker, Mayor of the City of New York, June 23, 1926." The medal given to Byrd was presumably gold and distinguished guests including Frank Upton received electroplated medals. Another fascinating reminder of the great celebrations and ticker-tape parades in New York City during the roaring twenties.