Ribbon Bar, Presidential Medal For Merit, 1946, Charles S. Draper

This ribbon was part of the Medal for Merit award given to Dr. Charles Stark Draper by President Truman on February 8, 1946. Established by President Roosevelt in 1942, the Medal for Merit awarded civilians of the United States and its allies for exceptionally meritorious service or couragious acts in the furtherance of the war effort. Dr. Draper received the Medal for Merit for his extensive work in the area of anti-aircraft fire control equipment for the U.S. Navy. Dr. Draper's career included a long term as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and engineering work that led to his recognition as the "father of inertial guidance." Dr. Draper gave the award to the National Collection in 1974.