Al Worden’s Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with accompanying certificate and citation. The medal, 2.25″ in diameter, features a sunburst design of 13 gold rays separated by 13 white enameled stars, with a semi-precious blue stone set to center; the reverse has been engraved: “Alfred M. Worden.” The medal is suspended from a ribbon with a wide center white stripe flanked on either side by a thin stripe of old gold, a wide stripe of ultramarine blue, and a narrow stripe of old gold at the edges. The blue stone in the center represents the vault of the heavens; the 13 stars represent the original colonies and man's chain of achievements; the sunburst represents the glory that accompanies great achievements, and the rays depict man's quest for light and knowledge. The medal is housed in its original presentation case, which also contains a presidential unit citation bar with two oak leaf clusters, a ‘Type 2’ miniature medal, and a lapel pin.
The medal includes its framed Distinguished Service Medal certificate, which reads: “This is to certify that the President of the United States of America authorized by act of Congress July 9, 1918, has awarded the Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Alfred M. Worden, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility, 26 July 1971 to 7 August 1971.” Reverse of frame bears the accompanying citation with embossed Air Force Department seal. In overall fine condition.
The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal is a military decoration of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force and is presented to airmen and guardians to recognize distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service to the United States while serving in a duty or position of great responsibility. Other notable recipients of the award include Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, Frank Borman, and James Stewart.
From the collection of Apollo 15 CMP Al Worden, and accompanied by a letter of provenance from his daughter Alison (Worden) Penczak.
