Gold, circular medal. One side of the medal reads: 'Life saving medal of the first class/ United States of America' and depicts, in relief, three men in a boat saving a woman from drowning at sea. The other side of the medal reads: 'in testimony of heroic deeds in saving life from the perils of the sea/ to Ida Lewis for signal heroism in saving two men from drowning February 4, 1881/ Act of Congress June 20th 1874'. Depicted are a female classical figure, an American Eagle and items related to sailing (ships mast, anchor and navigational equipment). The medal was awarded to Ida Lewis on July 16, 1881.