This American art deco bronze medal celebrates the 1930 national air races that took place in Chicago. It was the 10th anniversary of the races and the first year for The Thompson Trophy. The medal was sculpted by Oskar J.W. Hausen (1892-1971) who is best known for his bronze works in connection with The Hoover Dam. The 2 1/2" diameter medal shows on the front a portrait of a male figure wearing an aviator cap, geometric styled wings behind his head, and a single star above his head. "The Olympiad of the Air" is sculpted below the wings. The sculptors signature is etched on the lower left.The reverse has a depiction of two airmen, a metamorphosis from man to airplane, soaring above a pylon in flight with a dirigible. Above them is incised "Chicago" and a single star. "1930 National Air Races 10th Anniversary" is inscribed. On the rim is incised "Medalic Art Co. NY".