Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. The Navy Good Conduct Medal is the oldest Good Conduct Medal, dating back to 26 April 1869. There have been a total of four versions of the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the first version of which was issued from 1870 to 1884. The original Navy Good Conduct Medal was also not worn on a uniform, but issued with discharge papers as a badge to present during reenlistment. A sailor in the Navy received a new Good Conduct Medal for each honorable enlistment completed.

This is an outstanding example of the Navy Good Conduct Medal with a very interesting story. The medal is engraved to Jacob Coolikoff, a decades-long Navy veteran who in 1917 was investigated by the FBI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, on allegations of being a German Sympathizer. We have printed the 2 pages of investigation and have included them with the medal.

The medal is engraved:

JACOB
COOLIKOFF
HEADQUARTERS
FIRST NAVAL DISTRICT
27. SEPT. 1926.

There are three attached subsequent award clasps for 1933, 1936, and 1940, all three clasps being engraved JACOB COOLIKOFF on the reverse.

The medal is in good overall condition but the ribbon is tearing along the top of the brooch so it should be kept safe in a riker case.

In our research we found he was an Electrician 3rd Class when he was investigated as a sympathizer, and by 1941 was a Warrant Radio Electrician, serving aboard several Wickes-class destroyers during the 1940-1941 period including the USS Waters, USS Dent, and USS Rathburne. This medal requires more research.

An outstanding medal, ready for further research and display!