The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the U.S. Air Force enlisted corps can bestow upon a leader, recognizing individuals for significant,12th-century-inspired contributions to the welfare and development of enlisted personnel. Adopted by the USAF in 1967, it honors senior officers or civilians through a formal ceremony involving a proclamation, a signed scroll, and a ceremonial sword.
This Rare Order of the Sword award is in good vintage shape and is mounted on a big wrought iron display stand. On this stand, award measures over 27” tall. The wood plaque measures a large 14” x 11.5”. The swords are light metal and measure approximately 30” each. They are pitted and need to be cleaned (I leave vintage items as I find them). There is still good color on the swords and handles, it the all could use restoration efforts to make them beautiful. There is light sticker residue bottom center of the plaque. Some of the material on the plaque is slightly loose. One of the General’s stars is missing from the top of the plaque (MG should have two). Overall, this has condition issues that could be addressed if desired. This is a very special award and not many have ever been given out. A unique opportunity to add something to your military collection nobody else would have.
Please review pictures provided for details of condition and please ask any questions before purchase. This is a large heavy item to package & ship so fees reflect those facets. If shipping is significantly less than my “guess”, I will refund you the difference. You may be required to sign for delivery due to value.
****General Saunders has aided in a "combat pickup," the first time a rescue commander has done so. The "combat" was on the tactical fighter range at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., during a Red Flag exercise, but the rescue was real -- he picked up the pilot of a crashed F-100 and, in so doing, was credited with saving the pilot's life. He actively participates with his rescue crews in contingencies and exercises. Recently he flew the lead H-53 Jolly Green helicopter on a ferry flight from Loring Air Force Base, Maine, to Woodbridge Royal Air Force Station in England.
On May 6, 1977, General Saunders was inducted into the Military Airlift Command Order of the Sword. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor enlisted men can bestow. He was the twenty-second officer to receive this very coveted award.
The Order of the Sword recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the enlisted corps. Only seven other individuals have been so honored since 1978. The ceremonial presentation was adopted from the Royal Order of the Sword and passed to the United States during the Revolutionary War. However, it lay dormant until it was reinstituted in its current form in 1967. The original order of the sword was patterned after two orders of chivalry founded during the Middle Ages in Europe: the (British) Royal Order of the Sword and the Swedish Military Order of the Sword, still in existence today. In 1522, King Gustavus I of Sweden ordered the noblemen commissioned by him to appoint officers to serve him, and these people became known as the noncommissioned officers
