Posted on Oct 23, 2017

I was honorable discharged in 1987. Can I wear the ruptured duck lapel pin (it was my Grandfather’s from WWII)?

SPC Scott Domogalla

7.21K

18

11

3

0

Posted >1 y ago

Follow this discussion

Responses: 7

4

0

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter

Posted >1 y ago

My Dad and Father in Law were both WWII Veteran's and were issued those ruptured ducks. I'm proud of both of them but they earned it NOT Me, I wouldn't even think of wearing it. As a Viet Nam Veteran I feel I could wear a pin from that war if I chose to but not for anything I did not serve in.

(4)

Comment

(0)

SGT Rafael Irizarry-Laporte

5 y

The armed forces are a kind of brotherhood. There are many ways to recognize the sacrifice they have made. One of these is to proudly use ornaments that others have earned if they have been legally authorized. It does not mean anything else.

(0)

Reply

(0)

3

0

PO1 Donnie Balentine

Posted >1 y ago

Actually, anyone who has been separated from any of the armed forces after WWII are eligible to apply for the ruptured duck award. You have to submit documentation proving you were honorably discharged post WW2. https://www.amervets.com/replacement/duck.htm

The Honorable Discharge ("Ruptured Duck") Lapel Pin Display and Lapel Pin

All Military Service branches, Active, Reserve and Guard are applicable:Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy

(3)

Comment

(0)

CPT (Join to see)

5 y

I had heard about this some time ago but could never locate documentation confirming this. Thank you very much!

(1)

Reply

(0)

Suspended Profile

Posted >1 y ago

It would appear this pin may still be issued, otherwise acquired, and worn. Warmest Regards, Sandy

http://www.americanwarlibrary.com/theduck.htm

Common Myths About The Ruptured Duck Pin

Not true. Actually, the plan for a multi-service branch, universal Honorable Discharge Lapel patch originated in 1919 at the close of WWI. The purpose of the patch, and later pin, was to permit Honorably Discharged military personnel to wear their uniform for a period of time after they left military service due to their inability to afford civilian clothes, while at the same time identify themselves as no longer active duty personnel. The pin...

Suspended Profile

>1 y

It would appear the ruptured duck lapel pin may be ordered from this organization. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

http://www.amervets.com/replacement/duck.htm

The Honorable Discharge ("Ruptured Duck") Lapel Pin Display and Lapel Pin

All Military Service branches, Active, Reserve and Guard are applicable:Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy

Show More Comments

I was honorable discharged in 1987. Can I wear the ruptured duck lapel pin (it was my Grandfather’s from WWII)?

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.