Alfred Thayer Mahan
The cast bronze medal is five inches tall and two inches wide. It depicts a stylized image of the cupola of Luce Hall, the first purpose-built building of the Naval War College, built in 1892 and first used during the College presidency of Alfred Thayer Mahan. This building is part of the National Historic Landmark site and this image connects the medal to the long tradition of historical research and scholarship at the Naval War College that goes back to the days of College founder Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce and his successor, Alfred Thayer Mahan. The stylized image of the cupola suggests the new results that come from original historical research, while the rectangular shape is reminiscent of a book-plate.