that I had been selected to receive an award known as the Medaglia de Grifone, or Christopher Columbus medal, given every year for outstanding contributions to sea travel. Admiral Rickover had been the recipient just the year before. Bonny and I traveled to Genoa, Italy, the birthplace and boyhood home of Columbus. On October 12, 1958, Columbus Day, we attended the black-tie awards ceremony. I accepted on behalf of everyone on board Nautilus and emphasized that no dramatic development in the history of modern man would be possible without the labor and genius of those who have gone before
In "The Ice Diaries," William R. Anderson shares a significant moment when he received the Medaglia de Grifone, also known as the Christopher Columbus medal, recognizing impactful contributions to sea travel. This prestigious honor, previously awarded to Admiral Rickover, was presented to Anderson in a ceremony held in Genoa, Italy, coinciding with Columbus Day on October 12, 1958.
During the black-tie event, Anderson accepted the award not just for himself but on behalf of the entire crew of the Nautilus. He acknowledged the vital contributions of past innovators in shaping modern maritime history, emphasizing that their collective efforts made current advancements in exploration and travel possible.
