Sikorsky CH-53

YASUR
STATE MEDAL 5763/2003
7th in the “Airplanes that Made History” Series

This series of medals commemorates the airplanes of the Israeli Air Force. Each one made its mark on the history of the country and is associated with its specific period of operation. The planes have been reproduced in precise detail on the medals, designed by Eliezer Weishoff, in consultation with the Public Committee headed by the former Commander of the Air Force, Major General Eitan Ben Eliahu.
This medal is dedicated to the Sikorsky CH-53 Helicopter, nicknamed “Yasur”. With its two strong jet engines it is capable of operating around the clock, in all weather conditions and can fly long distances. Since 1969, the aircraft has taken part in numerous rescue and commando missions. To this day, a large portion of its operations during the Yom Kippur War remain classified.

Obverse: The “Yasur” in flight with the shoreline of Acre in the background, including the Al Jazeera Mosque, the port, fishing boats and the pier; the inscription “Yasur” appears in Hebrew along the upper border, as well as “CH-53”.

Reverse: A stylized design of a bird in flight with the hills of Jerusalem above it and the Israeli Air Force emblem below it; the verse “HIS WINGS SHALL FILL THE BREADTH OF THY LAND” (Isaiah 8) is inscribed in Hebrew along the upper border of the medal and in English along the lower border. The silver/925 proof medal is with gold-plated sterling silver insert and the bronze proof medal is with sterling silver insert.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number.

Designer: Eliezer Weishoff.

Engraving: Romania.

Mint:
Bronze and Silver medals: Romania.
Gold medal: The Government Mint, Israel.