1966 Department of State Distinguished Honor Award. Gold. 36 mm x 75 mm. 25.5 grams, including hanger and ribbon. Issued to Ellsworth Bunker. Extremely Fine.，Obv: Department of State Eagle within a laurel wreath, inscriptions DEPARTMENT OF STATE / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around and DISTINGUISHED / HONOR AWARD on a ribbon below. Rev: Engraved ELLSWORTH BUNKER / NOVEMBER 1966 and stamped A. H. DONDERO, INC / WASH DC. / 10K in tiny letters at the bottom. The ribbon is white moire silk, with three thin lines centered vertically. The medal is suspended by a base metal pin back hanger.<p>Ellsworth Bunker (1894-1984) was a noted businessman and diplomat, a two-time recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction which, along with the comparable Congressional Gold Medal, is the highest civilian award of the United States. It recognizes those people who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." Bunker also served as ambassador to several countries, including South Vietnam, where he was a noted proponent of American intervention under presidents Johnson and Nixon -- during which time he was awarded this medal.
