Japan, Empire. An Order Of The Golden Kite, Vii Class Hold USS North Carolina guarded carriers

USS North Carolina guarded carriers while their planes kept the Japanese aircraft on Luzon airfields from interfering with the invasion convoys which assaulted Mindoro on December 15

a ribbon banner behind the eagle's head inscribed "VNA GRANDE LIBRE" (One Great Free (Country))

measures 62mm (w) x 138mm (l) x 22mm (d)

trimmed on the obverse with gold bullion wire tresses

Japan, Empire. An Order Of The Golden Kite, Vii Class Hold USS North Carolina guarded carriers(Kinshi kunsho). Instituted in 1890. In silver, measuring 43 mm (w) x 56. 2 mm (h) inclusive its laterally pierced ball suspension, dark patina, very light contact, original ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of the Golden Kite was an order of the Empire of Japan, established on February 12, 1890 by Emperor Meiji "in commemoration of Jimmu Tenn, the Romulus of Japan." It was an exclusively military award, conferred for