From the estate of Apollo 12 moonwalker Alan Bean—10K ‘Gold Medal of Merit’ awarded to Bean by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States on January 8, 1970. The medal, 2.25˝ in diameter, features an embossed front design of three American veterans in front an eagle with open wings and circled with the text, “Veterans of Foreign Wars, Merit Award”; and the reverse features the organization’s emblem and laurel wreath with a central inscription: “Awarded for Exceptional Service, Alan L. Bean, Rendered to County, Community and Mankind.” Stamped “Medallic Art Co. N.Y.” and “10K” on the edge. The medal is accompanied by its original hand-illuminated citation, which awards the medal to “Alan L. Bean / Through his courage, leadership, technical ability, and devotion to duty as Lunar Module Pilot of the Apollo 12 Space Mission, he has made extraordinary personal contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge.” The citation is framed to an overall size of 12.25 x 17. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Amy Bean, the daughter of Alan Bean.
