History

The Jeannette Arctic Expedition Medal was authorized by Congress on September 30, 1890, to commemorate the Arctic expedition led by Lieutenant George DeLong aboard the Jeannette. Jeannette and its 33 crewmembers became stuck in ice for 21 months until the ship eventually was crushed by ice and sunk. Only 12 members serving onboard the Jeannette survived. 8 Gold Medals were presented to surviving and deceased Officers, and 25 Silver Medals were presented to other personnel who served on the ill-fated expedition. The Medal was awarded posthumously to the next of kin of deceased members.

The Medal is suspended from a top brooch bar which features the inscription "JEANNETTE." There may be different styles of the brooch bar awarded with the Medal.