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Author
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Topic: Air Force medallion left on moon by Apollo 16
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 54327
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-14-2007 09:38 AM
   
Browsing the Lunar Surface Journal this morning, I was reminded of the following from the third EVA on Apollo 16: As Charlie [Duke] mentions in his book Moonwalker (page 206), he also placed a medallion commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Air Force. Is there a photo or illustration that shows the obverse and reverse of this medallion? Was it specifically minted for the flight or was it from a greater number that was back on Earth? |
MOL
Member Posts: 209
From: Los Angeles, CA
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 06-30-2019 11:58 AM
On Friday (June 28), I visited the US Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio and came across this display which contains an Apollo 16 lunar sample. I have never read before any discussion about this sample and thought it might be worth sharing. 1972 was the 25th "Silver" Anniversary of the US Air Force, and since Charlie Duke was Air Force, he flew the silver medallion shown here and somehow arranged for the sample from Descartes to be included.  
Editor's note: Threads merged. |
Chuckster01
Member Posts: 1167
From: Orlando, FL
Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 03-30-2025 08:55 PM
Robert we now have an answer to your question.There were a total of 3 Sterling sliver U.S. Airforce 25th Anniversary medallions minted for Charlie Duke and the Apollo 16 mission. I now have the 3rd coin in my possession. I Emailed Charlie Duke for a conformation of the facts I have and here is his exact response "Charles,
I do remember working with Col. Walton.
When I realized that I was the only USAF officer going to the moon in 1972, I contacted the Chief of Staff office to suggest that I extend a Happy Birthday greeting to the USAF from the moon. The idea was approved and two of three coins were sent to me with the understanding that I leave one on the moon and return the other to the USAF. NASA approved the whole idea so I was able to drop a coin on the moon surface and wish the USAF a Happy Birthday.
Hope this is helpful.
Charlie Duke The 3rd coin (Not flown) along with fantastic documentation will be offered in our May 3rd auction. | |
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