WW2 U.S Ruptured Duck” (Honorable Service Lapel badge)

Ruptured Duck” (Honorable Service Lapel Button), given to WWII veterans on honorable discharge.

• Design: gilt brass eagle, wings spread, perched within a ring of thirteen vertical stripes and a chief — issued 1939 to 1946 designed by sculptor Anthony de Francisci in 1939, with an eagle perched within a ring composed of a chief and thirteen vertical stripes

• Nickname origin: the eagle’s design made its breast look burst through, and some thought it resembled a duck more than an eagle, giving rise to the “ruptured duck” nickname

• Purpose: it served as proof to military police that the wearer was not AWOL, since service members weren’t allowed to possess civilian clothes during the war  — it also let veterans keep wearing their uniform for up to 30 days after discharge.