[2] Presented in gold, silver and bronze, the medals were awarded to 81 individuals associated with the expedition, for a total cost of $6,560.

The obverse depicts a relief of Admiral Byrd in fur lined arctic clothing.

The reverse bears a relief depicting the sailing ship City of New York surrounded by the text PRESENTED TO THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE BYRD ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION TO EXPRESS THE HIGH ADMIRATION IN WHICH THE CONGRESS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HOLD THEIR HEROIC AND UNDAUNTED SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION EXPLORATION OF THE ANTARCTIC CONTINENT.

The medal is borne by a white silk ribbon with light blue center stripe.

Note - the military ranks indicated are the highest the individuals achieved in their careers and not those held at the time of the expedition.