The first 6 medals were awarded and presented May 8, 1963, by NASA Associate Director Dr. Robert Seamons to Paul J. Balfe, John A. Gordon, Larry J. Hough, Curtis C. Lyon, Charles L. Manes and Lynn B. Rowe.

On November 9, 1962, NASA pilot Jack B. McKay was test flying an X-15 when it experienced engine failure.

Exceptional Bravery Medals were awarded in 1969 to NASA engineers Bill B. McClure and Charles J.

"Jack" Beverlin, who prevented the collapse and explosion of an Atlas rocket at great risk to their own lives.

[4] John V. Becker, "The X-15 Program in Retrospect," 3rd Eugen Sänger Memorial Lecture, Bonn, Germany, Dec. 4–5, 1968, copy in the NASA Dryden Historical Reference Collection.