1926 State Department Life Saving Medal Presented by the President. Gold. 35.6 mm x 51.1 mm. 43.4 gr

1926 State Department Life Saving Medal Presented by the President. Gold. 35.6 mm x 51.1 mm. 43.4 grams, 671.1 grains. By George T. Morgan. Julian LS-3. Extremely Fine.，Original mount and hanger. The reverse inscription, within a laurel wreath, is hand engraved and reads: TO / J. PULLEN / SEAMAN OF THE / BRITISH STEAMSHIP OYLERIC / IN RECOGNITION OF HIS HEROIC / SERVICES IN EFFECTING THE RESCUE / AT SEA ON NOVEMBER 5, 1926 OF THE / MASTER AND CREW OF THE / AMERICAN SCHOONER VALKYRIA. The hinged pin-back hanger is also gold, and is inscribed E PLUR(IBU)S UNUM, with a federal shield superimposed. Even yellow-gold surfaces, hairlined a bit from polishing, no doubt by the original recipient.<p>The <em>Valkyria</em>, the "Queen of the Cape Verde Packets," was a former whaler captained by Henry Rose of the Cape Verde Islands. A lifelong seaman, Rose commanded the <em>Valkyria</em> from 1903 and had a reputation as a hardy sailor with a taste for speed. During the night of November 3, 1826, the <em>Valkyria</em> rammed a derelict vessel. The collision brought down the fore and main masts, and opened the stem. The wreck drifted aimlessly for two days before being spotted by a passing British vessel, the <em>Oyleric</em>, which sent a lifeboat to rescue the crew of 15 men and two young girls. It is unclear if others from the rescue team received medals, but what is known is that Captain Rose was immediately hired to command the <em>Manta</em>, the last active whaling vessel in New Bedford, Massachusetts.，From our (Bowers and Merenas) Phillip Flannagan Collection Sale, November-December 2001, lot 5337. Lot tag included.，