Bidspirit auction | American Pilots Appreciation Medal –

American Pilots Appreciation Medal – Yom Kippur War Airlift, 1973 - An Israeli appreciation medal presented to members of the American aircrews who participated in the emergency airlift to Israel during the Yom Kippur War, October 1973. The obverse features the Israel Defense Forces emblem—a sword and olive branch within a Star of David—surrounded by an olive-leaf wreath and the Hebrew inscription “Israel Defense Forces.” The reverse is inscribed: “WITH APPRECIATION / MIN. OF DEF. / I.D.F. / ISRAEL / OCT. 73.” A pierced suspension loop appears at the top. The medal was apparently originally issued with a blue-and-white ribbon, which is not included. Diameter: approximately 3 cm. Age and handling wear.