Description:

John F. Kennedy
Washington, DC, ca. 1962
JFK-Presented Pen to 1st Female Winner of Young American Medal for Service
Relic

Original John F. Kennedy-era Parker Jotter pen, presented by President Kennedy during a 1962 Oval Office ceremony which honored Mary Ann Kingry, the first female to receive the Young American Medal for Service, a national award recognizing exceptional youth volunteerism. During the meeting, President Kennedy personally handed this pen to Kingry's father as a token of appreciation and memento of the family's visit to the White House and their daughter's civic accomplishments. The pen bears the printed inscription "THE WHITE HOUSE / John F. Kennedy" on the black barrel in white script, replicating President Kennedy's signature. The pen features a stainless steel cap and retains its original red velvet-lined presentation box, with the Parker Pen Company's logo on the worn black exterior sleeve. Accompanied by two White House photos originating from the Kingry collection. The box, which features some expected wear, measures 2" x 6".

Stay tuned for an upcoming auction featuring an extraordinary display that includes Mary Ann Kingry's 14K gold Young American Medal for Service, a personalized photograph signed by President John F. Kennedy, a twice-signed and inscribed photo from Robert F. Kennedy, and exceptional provenance including a letter from Kennedy's personal secretary, Evelyn Lincoln.

As the youngest elected U.S. President, John F. Kennedy made youth engagement, civic service, and physical fitness central to his administration's public mission. Among the initiatives launched under his leadership was the Young American Medal for Service, presented annually to young people demonstrating extraordinary community impact. The 1962 recipient, Mary Ann Kingry, was selected from fifty nominees nationwide. Her award was presented in the Oval Office in a formal ceremony attended by J. Edgar Hoover and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

In line with White House tradition, ceremonial pens such as this were often gifted to honorees, officials, or family members during milestone moments. The presentation of this pen to Kingry's father reflects both the personal warmth of JFK's leadership and the symbolism he placed on encouraging public service among America's youth. Kingry later reflected on Kennedy's "extraordinary, charismatic" presence and his call for all Americans "to try and make a positive difference in the world."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 2" x 6"
  • Medium: Relic

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February 18, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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