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Treasures From the War Chest

A new book spotlights history's most beautiful and unique military decorations

by: Bill Newcott, from: AARP The Magazine, September 23, 2011

In Lest We Forget: Masterpieces of Patriotic Jewelry and Military Decorations, author Judith Price provides true tales behind some 150 military medals, pins and more.

The slideshow below features 10 of the book's most beautiful and interesting pieces, honoring outstanding military service around the world, from U.S. Civil War soldiers to valiant rescue animals in World War I to American civilians working toward victory on the WWII homefront. The 160-page book is set for release on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011.

George Washington Peace Medal

Country: United States
Year(s): c. 1776
Materials: Silver

The earliest U.S. Indian Peace medal pictures George Washington on one side, with a Native American seated at the base of a column on the other. Also on the backside of the medal, the Tree of Liberty with the revolting colonies is represented by the thirteen hands. — Courtesy The British Museum

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Photo captions adapted from Lest We Forget: Masterpieces of Patriotic Jewelry and Military Decorations, by Judith Price (Taylor Trade Publishing).