1.  Description:  Obverse:  On a background of a pentagon shape is a portrait of Henry Knox with the wording “SECRETARY OF WAR 1785-1794” in the upper portion and “HENRY KNOX” in the center (one word on either side of the portrait).

 Reverse:  Within a recessed triangle at the top, the words “AWARDED TO” are centered.  Space for the name of the recipient and the date of award is available.  The lower section is recessed with the words “FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT.”  In the upper portion of the border are “MATERIEL ACQUISITION” and “SECRETARY OF THE ARMY’S AWARD” is in the lower portion.

 2.  Symbolism:  Henry Knox was the first Secretary of War after the War Department was established as an executive department by Act approved August 7, 1789.  He had been Secretary of War before the change in the form of the Federal Government.  Since this is the Secretary of the Army’s award, it is appropriate for the first Secretary of War to be commemorated by a medallion.