This award is nicely encased in a custom made shadowbox frame with vellum backing and glass front. The award is the Foreign Wars Merit Award presented to Hall of Fame baseball player Ted Williams for his "Exceptional Service Rendered to Country, Community and Mankind". The front of the medal has the raised image of three servicemen with an eagle in the background and reads "VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS/MERIT AWARD". The medal itself is made of 4 ounces of 10k gold and hangs from a red, white, blue and gold ribbon. With the current value of gold, the medal itself would be worth a hefty sum. Williams served in the United States Marine Corp in WWII as a fighter/bomber pilot starting the end of 1942. He was sent to Hawaii in August of 1945 and played baseball in the Army League. He rejoined the Boston red Sox in 1946. Williams was called to duty once again to serve in the Korean War on January 9, 1952 and served as a Captain in the Marine Corp. Williams returned from Korea in August of 1953 and rejoined the Red Sox. Williams played in the major leagues for the Boston Red Sox for 19 years serving his country twice and managed the Washington Senators and Texas Rangers from 1969 to 1972. Williams won 2 American League MVPs and two Golden Gloves. He had an amazing lifetime batting average of .344 which earned him the nickname, (one of many), "The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived", and his record setting .551 on base percentage stood for 61 years. Williams was also named to the Major League All-Century and All-Time teams. The award is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Hunt Auctions describing the award and the signature of Claudia Williams certifying the award belonged to her father Ted Williams. Also with the award is a photograph of Ted Williams shaking hands with a Navy Captain at the award ceremony.

The medal, neck ribbon and brass plaque are excellent. The shadow box has a couple of minor dings and a small chip on one corner. The photograph is framed and remains excellent. A nice piece of historic memorabilia from one of Americas greatest baseball players and American patriot of also served his country in two wars.