Larry Nittler was awarded the U.S. Antarctica Service Medal on 21 December. This award was established by the U.S. Congress for presentation to individuals who perform outstanding service as a member of a U.S. scientific expedition to Antarctica.

Larry was a member of the 2000-2001 Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) team that searched for meteorites in the Meteorite Hills region of Antarctica. The team successfully recovered more than 700 specimens, including some of immense scientific interest. This service was performed under difficult weather conditions. The team lived high on the East Antarctic Plateau and endured isolation, severe weather conditions, and rigorious physical duties while living in a 9' by 9' tent for 45 days.

Ralph Harvey, a faculty member at Case Western Reserve University and the Principal Investigator for the ANSMET Program stated, "Larry deserves recognition for always cheerful and willing contributions made to a scientific endeavor of enormous impact in the study of planetary materials. I am personally grateful not only for his contribution in the field but for his service as an ambassador to the ANSMET program as well."

To view photos from this expedition, click here.

Related Links:

• 2001-2002 ANSMET Expedition
• 1998-1999 ANSMET Expedition
• Antarctica Is the Place To Find Rocks from Space