"Medal of Honor" Richard E. Byrd Hand Signed Check Dated 1932. This item is certified authentic by.
And comes with their Letter of Authenticity. (October 25, 1888 - March 11, 1957) was an American naval officer and explorer. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor. The highest honor for valor given by the United States, and was a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics. Aircraft flights in which he served as a navigator.And expedition leader crossed the Atlantic Ocean, a segment of the Arctic Ocean, and a segment of the Antarctic Plateau. Byrd claimed that his expeditions had been the first to reach both the North Pole. His claim to have reached the North Pole is disputed.
He is also known for discovering Mount Sidley. The largest dormant volcano in Antarctica. Byrd was born in Winchester, Virginia, the son of Esther Bolling (Flood) and Richard Evelyn Byrd Sr. He was a descendant of one of the First Families of Virginia. His ancestors include planter John Rolfe.
As well as William Byrd I. He was also descended from George Yeardley. He was the brother of Virginia Governor. A dominant figure in the Virginia. From the 1920s until the 1960s; their father.Served as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Byrd attended the Virginia Military Institute. For two years and transferred to the University of Virginia. Before financial circumstances inspired his starting over and taking an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Where he was appointed as a midshipman.
While at the Naval Academy, he suffered two injuries to his right ankle (one was by playing football and the other was while dismounting gymnastic rings during a competition). Although he was allowed to remain at the academy, his injuries eventually led to his forced retirement from the Navy in 1916. On June 8, 1912, Byrd graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign. In the United States Navy.On July 14, 1912, he was assigned to the battleship USS Wyoming. During service in the Caribbean Sea, Byrd received his first letter of commendation, and later a Silver Lifesaving Medal. For twice plunging fully clothed to the rescue of a sailor who had fallen overboard. In April 1914, he transferred to the armored cruiser USS Washington. And served in Mexican waters in June following the American intervention.
His next assignment was to the gunboat USS Dolphin. Which also served as the yacht of the Secretary of the Navy. This assignment brought Byrd into contact with high-ranking officials and dignitaries, including then Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant (junior grade). During Byrd's assignment to Dolphin she was commanded by future Fleet Admiral. Who served as chief of staff to President Franklin D. Byrd's last assignment before forced retirement was to the presidential yacht USS Mayflower. On March 15, 1916, Byrd, much to his frustration, was medically retired on three-quarters pay for an ankle injury he suffered on board Mayflower.Shortly thereafter, on December 14, 1916, he was assigned as the inspector and instructor for the Rhode Island Naval Militia. While serving in this position, he was commended by Brigadier General Charles W.
The adjutant general of Rhode Island, for making great strides in improving the efficiency of the militia, and on April 25, 1928, was promoted to captain by act of the Rhode Island General Assembly in recognition of his flight to the North Pole in 1926.