A rare President of the United States (POTUS) Appreciation Medal presented to Lt. Hirschy after President Kennedy's 1963 European trip to the Federal Republic of Germany, Germany (West Berlin), Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy and the Vatican City State. With 300 total struck at the US Mint in Philadelphia in 1962, these special Government medals were personally awarded by the POTUS or issued with direction from the POTUS. Diameter is 1.75''.

The medal itself allowed the President to distinctively express his presidential gratitude and established a keepsake reminder for each recipient. Today, these original numismatic medals have the required evidentiary documents for them to be substantiated as presidential artifacts.

These bronze medals were designed by the tenth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, Frank Gasparro in 1962. The obverse features a front-facing relief of JFK with "President John F. Kennedy" above his head, and a large, detailed Presidential Seal on the reverse. Gasparro's initials FG can be found under the right leg of the eagle, a unique identifier that can be seen on both the Kennedy appreciation medal and Kennedy half dollar.

Lieutenant Hirschy was Supply and Logistics Officer for the Military Aides to the President and Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Mess in the White House during both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. His duties also included taking care of the President’s needs on overseas trips, aboard the presidential yachts and at Camp David. Lt. Hirschy served in the White House from May 1, 1961 through May 31, 1965. These items come directly from the Hirschy family.

Good condition.