Overview:
Up for auction is an official U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association plaque presented to Robert C. McFarlane. This specific award recognizes outstanding support of the Association and the Academy through membership in the Century Club. The plaque consists of a dark wood backing, black velvet matting, an engraved brass informational plate, and a detailed metallic emblem of the official United States Naval Academy coat of arms crest (featuring the motto Ex Scientia Tridens).

Please Note: This listing uniquely includes an accompanying photograph featuring President George H.W. Bush alongside McFarlane, offering excellent context for the recipient's historical significance.

Cross-Listing & Upcoming Items Note:
I am currently liquidating a premier collection of historical artifacts from the Robert C. McFarlane estate across separate auctions. Please view my other listings to find a second official USNA award plaque presented to McFarlane (the Tecumseh Club plaque).

Additionally, please look out for several upcoming book listings from this estate that are personally signed and inscribed to Bud McFarlane. These upcoming literary lots include:

Biography of the Recipient (Robert C. McFarlane):
Robert C. "Bud" McFarlane (1937–2022) graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1959. He served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, completing two tours in the Vietnam War. McFarlane later entered government service and was appointed National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan, serving from 1983 to 1985. In this high-profile position, he was a primary strategist for foreign policy during the height of the Cold War, including early development of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and subsequent involvement in the complex foreign policy events of the Iran-Contra affair. He was later pardoned alongside five other figures by President George H.W. Bush.

History of the Century Club:
The Century Club is a long-standing, premier donor and recognition circle within the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. The insignia featured on this plaque is the official USNA seal designed in 1898, showcasing a hand grasping a trident, a traditional square-rigged ship, and an ancient galley over the Latin motto Ex Scientia Tridens ("Through Knowledge, Sea Power"). Membership in the Century Club honors alumni and patrons whose generous contributions directly sustain the leadership programs, athletic achievements, and institutional excellence of the midshipmen at Annapolis.

Condition Disclaimer:
Please note that all historical and biographical text provided in this listing is compiled from internet research and open public archives; accuracy regarding dates and organizational specifics is not definitively guaranteed. The provided photographs serve as the final arbiter of physical condition, wear, and structural state. Please review all listing images closely to evaluate the wood finish, velvet surface, medal alignment, and accompanying photo condition before bidding.