NASA Exceptional Bravery Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Established on 15 September 1961
2. The NASA Exceptional Bravery Medal is awarded for exemplary and courageous handling of an emergency by an individual who, independent of personal danger, has acted to prevent the loss of human life or U.S. government property. Both government and non-government employees are eligible for the the award.

Background:

1. The Medal
   1. Obverse
      1. The rim is cast in a relief design of a wreath.
      2. Across the center is an unrolled banner that reads “N.A.S.A.”
      3. Superimposed on the banner is a five-pointed star supported by a right hand.
      4. The thumb supports one bottom point while the index and middle fingers support the other bottom point.
   2. Reverse
      1. The reverse is engraved at the top of the wreath, with the words "EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY."
      2. The letters are 1/16 inch block letters centered on the midpoint of the wreath, with the first letter "E" and the last letter "Y" equidistant from the integral lug.
      3. The remainder is flat, plain, and suitable for engraving
2. The ribbon and the drape are 1 3/8" wide with the color pattern of 3/32" Oriental Blue, 1/16" Blue Turquoise, 3/8" Navy Blue # 1, 1/16" Blue Turquoise, 1/8" Scarlet, 1/16" Blue Turquoise, 3/8" Navy Blue # 1, 1/16" Blue Turquoise, 3/32" Oriental Blue.
3. All service manuals indicate that only the "gold planet" be worn on medals and ribbons.  However, the Milspec for the ribbon attachment states that it be created in both silver and gold.  The Milspec also indicates that the silver is for the second award of the decoration and gold is for the third.
4. Information from
   Naval History and Heritage Command
   Decoration, Exceptional Bravery Medal, NASA MIL-DTL-3943/62J 2 July 2021
   Ribbon, Exceptional Bravery Medal, NASA MIL-DTL-11589/58J 17 August 2021
   Ribbon Attachment, Additional Awards, National Aeronautics And Space Administration MIL-DTL-41819/20D 30 September 1996