Dakota

DAKOTA
STATE MEDAL 5762/2002
5th in the “Airplanes that Made History” Series

This fascinating 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.
The fifth medal is dedicated to the cargo plane “Douglas Dakota”. The Dakota planes were used even prior to the official founding of the Israel Air Force in June 1948 and participated in air combat and other operations until 2001. These veteran aircraft were a household word in the Air Force and epitomized by the saying: “The only alternative to the Dakota is another Dakota airplane.”

Obverse: The Douglas Dakota hovering above “The Great Grater” in the Negev; the word “DAKOTA” is inscribed in Hebrew and English along the upper section of the medal.

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 and metal.

Designer: Eliezer Weishoff.

Engraving: Romania.

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