The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 24, June 17, 2007, Article 27

MINT DESIGNER SUSAN GAMBLE'S AIR FORCE COMBAT ACTION MEDAL INVOKES WWI FEEL

A press release from Arlington, VA reports that "The designer of the
Air Force Combat Action Medal said it was a challenge giving the medal
a World War I feel but at the same time modernizing it.

"Graphic designer Susan Gamble used artwork from photos of Brig. Gen.
William "Billy" Mitchell's aircraft to inspire the design of the medal,
which was presented for the first time to six Airmen during a ceremony
here June 12.  General Mitchell was one of the military's earliest
advocates of air power.

"The medal was created to recognize Airmen engaged in air or ground
combat 'outside the wire' in a combat zone. This includes members who
are under direct and hostile fire or who personally engaged hostile
forces with direct and lethal force.

"Mrs. Gamble, a professional artist and master designer for the U.S.
Mint, designed the medal in conjunction with the Army Institute of
Heraldry in Washington D.C.

"After Mrs. Gamble designed three prototypes, Air Force Chief of
Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final selection.  He also
selected a ribbon made with diagonal stripes.

"The diagonal stripe is so rare the heraldry institute officials
had difficulty finding a ribbon-making company that could loom the
ribbon.  They finally found one in Pennsylvania.

"'My initial feedback on the medal has been very positive,' Mrs.
Gamble said. 'The diagonal stripe got a lot of attention. Everyone
I've shown the medal to has said it has a World War I feel to it,
which I'm thrilled about because I thought I would be the only one
who could see it. It's old fashioned, yet modern.'"

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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