1934 Harmon Trophy, National Trophy Medal. Gilt Bronze. Awarded to W.E. Kepner. Choice About Uncirculated. 75 mm. Obv: Fantastic Art Deco design with Harmon Trophy depicted at right, HARMON TROPHY at its base, C.B. HARMON / AMERICAN PILOT / NO. 6 in exergue, signed G. DEVREESE. Rev: INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE OF AVIATORS / UNITED FOR PEACE at periphery, engraved at center: ELECTS / W.E. KEPNER / AS ITS / CHAMPION SPHERICAL BALLOON PILOT / OF THE UNITED STATES / IN 1934. Edge: unmarked. Rather handsome overall, only light, inconsequential marks are noted scattered about both sides. At the extreme high point on the obverse, a speck of bronze peeks through the gilt.William Ellsworth Kepner is a legend in the aviation community. Kepner saw service in the First World War in the Marine Corps at the Battle of Chateau-Thierry and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. In 1920 he transferred to the Army Air Corps, with an interest in balloons and airships. In 1934, Kepner piloted the balloon <em>Explorer</em>, which was a specially constructed balloon built with the purpose of setting an altitude record. Unfortunately, a mechanical error happened during flight and Kepner had to abandon the balloon via parachute. During the Second World War, Kepner flew 24 combat missions with the 2nd Bomb Division. He also commanded VIII Fighter Command, which guarded the bombers of the "Mighty" Eight Air force against Luftwaffe fighters. The Eight Fighter Command also provided ground support during D-Day. Post war, Kepner witnessed the atomic bombs tested during Operation Crossroads, and was promoted to Commander in Chief of U.S. Air Force Alaska Command. He retired in 1953, and passed away on July 3, 1982.
