National Geographic : 1959 Apr
Geographic Society have also awarded the Hubbard Medal to the United States Navy for its outstanding contributions to science through its IGY Antarctic Expeditions. "Under the leadership of Secretary Gates, Admiral Burke, and Rear Admiral Dufek, more than 10,000 men of our Navy have built the many outposts from which the unknown lands of Antarctica are being studied. "The logistics would have been impossible for any organization but the United States Navy. Everything had to be shipped or planed in, from delicate instruments to lumber for shelter. Through the world's most dangerous waters, our Navy brought hundreds of thou sands of tons of supplies into Antarctica. "To build and supply the famous station at the South Pole itself, where Sir Vivian and his men received rest and refreshment from Ameri can scientists and Naval officers, the Navy and Air Force flew in 1,450 tons of supplies. "The four-year effort-which is continuing -was in the highest tradition of the Navy, Mr. President. Lt. Charles Wilkes, who first sailed to Antarctic waters in 1838, would have been proud. His successors, whom we honor today, have continued and enhanced the Navy's great tradition of discovery and explo ration. The citation on the Medal reads: " 'Awarded to the U. S. Navy Antarctic Ex- peditions 1955-59 for outstanding service to science in exploring vast South Polar regions and establishing scientific stations for the In ternational Geophysical Year.' "Gold duplicates have been struck for Admi ral Burke, your great Chief of Naval Opera tions and father of the nuclear-powered Navy, and for Rear Admiral Dufek, who is still in command of Operation Deep Freeze." News cameras whirred and clicked as the President received the gold medals from Dr. Grosvenor and presented them in turn to Sir Vivian Fuchs, Navy Secretary Gates, and Admiral Burke. Each received as well a firm Presidential handshake. In response to a ques tion from Mr. Eisenhower, the British explorer briefly described the Sno-Cat, the tracked vehicle that provided his principal means of transportation across the icy Pole.* The formal ceremonies concluded, the Pres ident turned to Lady Fuchs, who was chatting with Sir Harold Caccia, British Ambassador to the United States. Offering her his congratu lations on her husband's historic achievement, the President flashed the famed Eisenhower grin. "I'll bet," he said, "you're mighty glad you stayed home." * See "The Crossing of Antarctica," by Sir Vivian Fuchs, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, January, 1959. President Eisenhower Presents the Hubbard Medal at a White House Ceremony Secretary Thomas S. Gates, Jr., (left) accepts on behalf of the United States Navy. Sir Vivian Fuchs is honored as leader of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Adm. Arleigh A. Burke holds two gold duplicates, one for absent Rear Adm. George Dufek. 590 Melville Bell Grosvenor, The Society's President and Editor, stands at right.