Medal, Vietnam Veterans of America - Sid McMath
Object number2000.001.05
Date1990
Associated LocationLittle Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
MediumFabric, Metal
Dimensions1 1/4 × 4 × 19 in. (3.2 × 10.2 × 48.3 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionA medal given to Sid McMath from the Vietnam Veterans of America. The medal itself is quite large and reads "Vietnam Veterans of America" on the front. The back has the words "VVA ARK. STATE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL AWARDED TO GOV. SID MCMATH 1990" inscribed on it. The ribbon has 2 shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, and red bands.Sidney “Sid” Sanders McMath was born June 14, 1912 in Columbia County, Arkansas. McMath won the election for prosecuting attorney for the Eighth Judicial District in 1947, and soon after being sworn in, McMath formally charged Hot Springs Mayor Leo McLaughlin with accessory to election fraud. The next year, 1948, McMath was elected governor. During his four years as governor he was able to add more than 2,000 miles to the state highway system, extended power to all regions of the state, secure funds for the School of Medicine at the University of Arkansas (now the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), and help to consolidate and integrate schools. The governor’s mansion was completed 1949, and the McMath family became its first residents. He died on October 4, 2003 in Little Rock.
Status
On view
June 7, 2013
June 7, 2013
June 7, 2013