Joel Iskowitz
When asked by Howard Teich, co-chairman of the ESMWWICC, to design a medal which would honor and commemorate Sgt. Alvin York, the sacrifice and service of so many New Yorkers in particular and Americans in general, and address the enormous global impact the Great War had and continues to have for all humanity, I must confess I was daunted by the complexity and scope of the task. However, two encouraging thoughts immediately came to mind that re-assured me that it was a both an abundantly worthy project and one which I was qualified to undertake.
The first was that, as a narrative artist I have been privileged to employ my artwork to visually relate many similarly epic and multi-faceted historic events. The second thought was that a number of these sweeping and inspiring histories have been the subject matter of Congressional Gold Medals, which I have been honored to design.
After some initial exploratory research into the distinguished and valorous deeds Of Sgt. York in battle on the fields of France, earning him the Medal of Honor and the French Croix de Guerre, I thought that, especially because of his educational and humanitarian work following his military service, that he certainly deserved to be recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal by a grateful nation. This assignment then, the ESMWWICC medal, would now serve as fitting recognition for this national hero and the context of this era.
Here is a list of elements that I felt were important to appear in my composition for the obverse (the “heads” side) of this medal: A portrait of Sgt. Alvin York, a vignette of his military actions during the Meuse-Argonne campaign in France, a scene of the Eastside of Manhattan featuring a view the East River during the WWI era and a York Avenue street sign marking the re-naming of Avenue A in his honor in 1928.
The reverse (“tails” side) design of this medal, which is still being finalized at this writing, is to consist of elements emblematic of the still unrealized hope that all peace loving and free people’s yearn for: A central image of Victory above the globe, carrying the American flag, which is bathed in the glow of enlightenment and an olive branch of peace, suggesting the fulfillment of the Founding Father’s visions of the American democratic republic. She is flanked by vignettes depicting the critical role of women and their contributions of medical and humanitarian aide to those in need because of the terrible costs of the Great War and a tableau indicating the societal and social changes taking place during this era of turmoil and progress.
Please note: In the case of Congressional Gold Medals, the recipients are awarded bronze replicas, which are also available for purchase by the general public. The one, and only CGM that is struck in pure gold is held in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum.
It is my hope that beyond the striking of bronze medals for this historic commemoration, that one, unique gold medal will be minted and offered at auction to an institution or individual with a significant portion of the proceeds benefitting an organization that supports this centennial commemoration.
