ESTABLISHING LEGISLATION
The Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1933-1935) was established by Act of Congress (Public Resolution Number 98, 74th Congress) on June 2, 1936.
EVENT COMMEMORATED
The Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal commemorates those members of the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition who spent the winter night (six months) at Little America or who commanded either one of the expedition's ships.
ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
The Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1939-1941) was worn after the Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1928-1930) and before the China Service Medal.
DEVICES
No devices were authorized for this medal.
DESIGNER
The Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal was designed by Heinz Warnicke.
FIRST RECIPIENT
The first Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal was presented to Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd.
DESCRIPTION AND SYMBOLISM
Obverse
In the center of a silver medallion one and a quarter inches in diameter, a figure in polar clothing with a sled dog standing behind him. In the background are a building and ice formations. To the right of the figure are the dates 1933 / 1935, in two lines. The inscription BYRD ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION appears around the rim of the medal, following its contour.
The male figure is Admiral Byrd; the building in the background is his "Little America," and the ice formations and sled dog further allude to the region.
Reverse
In the center of a silver medallion one and a quarter inches in diameter, a rectangular tablet bearing the following inscription, in 14 lines: PRESENTED TO THE / OFFICERS AND MEN OF / THE SECOND BYRD ANT- / ARCTIC EXPEDITION / TO EXPRESS THE VERY / HIGH ADMIRATION / IN / WHICH THE CONGRESS / AND THE AMERICAN / PEOPLE HOLD THEIR / HEROIC AND UNDAUNTED / ACCOMPLISHMENTS / FOR SCIENCE UNEQUALLED / IN THE HISTORY OF / POLAR EXPLORATION. A Ford Tri-Motor airplane appears above the tablet; to its left are a set of radio towers, and to its left is a sailing ship. Beneath the tablet appears a dog sled. The airplane, ship, and dog sled represent the means of travel in the expedition and the radio towers are the transmitter towers at Byrd's station, Little America.
Ribbon
The white ribbon stands for the snow at Antarctica.
Composition and Naming
The Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal (1933-1935) was struck in oxidized sterling silver and named to the recipient on the edge.