What does the bird emblem represent on this uniform?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 14:22:16 -0400

A friend of mine grandfather recently passed, he never liked to talk about his time in the military. So they know nothing about what he did or what his medals are for. He asked me if I could find out what all of his medals and everything were for. I’m only having trouble with this bird. He fought in/during WW2. Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Aug 17 at 2019 2:29 PM

SSG Michael Noll — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 14:29:52 -0400

While your at it I need this patch identified too, my father-in-laws brothers all served in the WWI/WWII era and I can find nothing on this patch.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Aug 17 at 2019 2:35 PM

LT Ed Skiba — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 14:35:17 -0400

It's called as "ruptured duck" and is worn by troops after discharge fro WW II era. My dad and uncles all had them.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Aug 17 at 2019 2:38 PM

LT Ed Skiba — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 14:38:51 -0400

Honorable Service Lapel Button https://g.co/kgs/bXr6TL here's a link to it.

Honorable Service Lapel Button - Google Search

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 17 at 2019 3:30 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 15:30:38 -0400

Ruptured Duck. It’s the honorable discharge insignia

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 17 at 2019 3:34 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 15:34:11 -0400

Have his family send for his personnel and med/dental file, if they want that a!so, from NPRC in St Louis, using the eVetRecs Java applet website, just look it up under NARA, the Mark Archives, have them call 86-NARA-NARA, and ask for the NICE director's ofc staff, we've had me get all our family records from.them quite often, they're quite helpful, honest...just have his family sign and date the printout from the submit and fax it back, don't let him love the submit number, or NPRC won't be able to find it...also, have them send in Privacy Act (PA) online requests, then sjgn , date, and fax those printouts back to all three of their Congress ofcs, explaining that they want all his stuff, duplicate awards, flag, Presidential condolence certificate, so they can do a shadow box, they should be able to get all duplicate medals ad ribbons for free...it does take awhile, also, NPRC had a fire in 1973 if you hadn't known about it that damaged a good deal of.Army stuff before it was.all digjtized, a s they moved to their new bldg...NPRC can query Army, I'm assuming that's what he was, to have them look in the Army records for more, or.duplicates, of the stuff that was lost, if you want more help, lemme knlw, I'll try to give you more ideas, no rush, whenever you want, OK?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 17 at 2019 4:00 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 16:00:06 -0400

Retired .

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Aug 17 at 2019 4:35 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 16:35:45 -0400

The bird emblem is referred to often as the ruptured duck and was given only to Veteran's of WWII who served during the War to identify them as Veterans. It could be worn on the military uniform or also with civilian attire.

Response by SGT Rick Colburn made Aug 17 at 2019 7:00 PM

SGT Rick Colburn — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 19:00:05 -0400

Looks like a ruptured duck

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Aug 17 at 2019 11:25 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 23:25:29 -0400

Proper placement of the ruptured duck on the Army uniform. All armed Forces member who were veterans of WWII could wear that patch. Persons on active duty then had to wear uniforms, civilian clothes were out and as a result the uniform could still be worn for 30 days after discharge. There were shortages of civilian items of apparel due to the wartime and many didn't have any civilian clothes yet. The Ruptured duck metal pin however could also be worn on civilian clothing whenever the discharged service member chose.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Aug 17 at 2019 11:33 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 23:33:26 -0400

My late Father in Law, SSgt Salvatore "Sy" LaMacchia after He arrived home from WWII where He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations., He went ashore into combat on landing craft on three separate Japanese held Islands to include Guam and Okinawa. Notice the ruptured duck above the right breast pocket of His Army Uniform. He had just arrived home and was standing outside His parents house in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Aug 18 at 2019 12:35 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:35:01 -0400

The metal pin version of the Ruptured Duck for WWII Service, this could be worn on civilian clothes and often was as a lapel pin.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Aug 18 at 2019 12:35 AM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:35:22 -0400

What an awesome way to say you are free! Learned something new today.

Response by PO1 Dennis Herdina made Aug 18 at 2019 7:47 AM

PO1 Dennis Herdina — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 07:47:08 -0400

Maybe ruptured duck//........symbol of service during ww2

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Aug 19 at 2019 8:25 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 08:25:06 -0400

He was a parrot owner.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2019 11:01 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 11:01:33 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member that's the "Wounded Duck" patch. My grandpa had one from France during WWII - when he got discharged after getting hit.

Response by SFC William Brookshire made Aug 20 at 2019 9:28 AM

SFC William Brookshire — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 09:28:25 -0400

" Ruptured Duck " WWII Service

Response by PO2 Paul Gerg made Aug 21 at 2019 8:54 AM

PO2 Paul Gerg — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 08:54:00 -0400

It is commonly called the "ruptured duck" it was to show he was discharged at the end of WWII.

Response by SGT Jon Schlottman made Aug 24 at 2019 6:52 AM

SGT Jon Schlottman — Sat, 24 Aug 2019 06:52:58 -0400

Well i believe it represents Good old U.S.the cluster on the unit citation or medal means many times.i couldn't tell if blue or purple. If blue unit citation purple wounded many times,purple heart.sorry its been 50 years since the service for me.

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Sep 4 at 2019 6:29 PM

CPL Joseph Elinger — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 18:29:58 -0400

It's nicknamed a "Ruptured Duck."
This patch was issued to Veterans of WW2, to affix to their uniform.
It represented Participation, Service, & Discharge from WW2.
A pin was also issued as same.
Wearing the patch on your uniform was also beneficial because not every Vet owned a Civilian Suit for interviews.
This permitted them to wear their Class A Uniform, short term, as an interview suit also.
Google: "Ruptured Duck."
PS: A similar pin was issued to Veterans of WW1.
It was a 5 pointed star in a wreath.
You may recognize the symbol of American Legion as proximal to it.
G-d bless.

Response by MSgt George Fillgrove made Sep 7 at 2019 10:21 AM

MSgt George Fillgrove — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 10:21:53 -0400

Ruptured Duck emblem signifying the honorable discharge during WW II. In WW II, military personnel were not allowed to wear civilian clothing without permission. This gave returning GIs the permission to continue wearing their uniforms briefly when mustered out of the service. Not all honorably discharged individuals received this patch/badge for wear on the uniform. Some reserve officers and EMs still had military status afterward.

Response by PFC Brian Berntson made Sep 25 at 2019 10:34 PM

PFC Brian Berntson — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 22:34:32 -0400

WWII honorable discharge badge

Response by SGT Alan Simmons made Sep 26 at 2019 11:48 AM

SGT Alan Simmons — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 11:48:28 -0400

That's commonly referred to as the "Ruptured Duck" and was given to enlisted who honorably served their length of enlistment.

Response by CPL Michael Moore made Sep 27 at 2019 3:00 PM

CPL Michael Moore — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 15:00:14 -0400

It was a pin signifying honorable service in WW2. Veterans of that Era referred to it as “The wounded Duck”.

Response by Jon Schwartz made Sep 27 at 2019 4:48 PM

Jon Schwartz — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 16:48:04 -0400

"Ruputured Duck"...Honorably discharged from the Armed Services at the end of World War II and Traveling home from Overseas Theatre's..... Also, had a lapel pin to wear after you were out of uniform.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Sep 29 at 2019 11:11 AM

LT Ed Skiba — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 11:11:27 -0400

It was called a "Ruptured Duck. "

Response by LTC George Adams made Oct 29 at 2019 12:52 PM

LTC George Adams — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 12:52:06 -0400

Colloquially called the "Ruptured Duck", the official name is "Honorable Service Lapel Button". A similar cloth Honorable Service emblem was worn over the right breast pocket of the uniform of honorably discharged personnel, allowing them to wear their uniforms for up to 30 days following discharge. As MSG Early points out, it was a way of distinguishing discharged personnel from those still on active duty. Read more about it at this Wikipedia link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorable_Service_Lapel_Button

Honorable Service Lapel Button - Wikipedia

Response by SPC Mitch Saret made Oct 29 at 2019 4:25 PM

SPC Mitch Saret — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 16:25:46 -0400

I have always understood it was a victory emblem from war. I think WWI vets also had them too.

Response by SSgt Marshall Woolner made Oct 30 at 2019 11:45 AM

SSgt Marshall Woolner — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:45:13 -0400

It is the Honorable Service Lapel Patch, intended for servicemen who received an Honorable Discharge during WWII (it had been issued as early as 1919 but became more common at the end of WWII. It indicated that the individual was about to be discharged under honorable condition, and showed MP's and others that they were not AWOL/UA. It also gave them some additional credibility to employers when they sought work. Wearers were entitled to wear their uniform up to thirty days after discharge (there was a clothing shortage). For almost everything you might want to know, here is a link:
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...

Response by Col John Madison made Nov 1 at 2019 4:24 PM

Col John Madison — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 16:24:35 -0400

I still laugh about it when my father referred to it as the "ruptured duck".

Response by SFC Donald York made Nov 1 at 2019 8:05 PM

SFC Donald York — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 20:05:36 -0400

I did not know that. Thank you, Lt. Skiba.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2019 6:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 18:56:55 -0400

1940s World War II green and gold embroidered diamond shaped military insignia with an eagle and circle - The patch is often referred to as the "Ruptured Duck" signifying an Army Honorable Discharge Badge

Response by LT David Silverman made Nov 25 at 2019 7:42 PM

LT David Silverman — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 19:42:17 -0500

Vet of WW2

Response by LT David Silverman made Nov 25 at 2019 7:42 PM

LT David Silverman — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 19:42:53 -0500

Vet of WW2

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Nov 27 at 2019 10:55 PM

PO2 John Driskill — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 22:55:22 -0500

I purchased a silver ring from a pawn shop in Mobile, Alabama years ago with the WW2 discharge eagle. The ring is history now but must have been important to some WW2 vet back then.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Nov 28 at 2019 9:15 AM

LT Ed Skiba — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:15:10 -0500

It's the Presidential Unit Citation. I believe the Oakleaf Cluster signifies it was earned in combat.

Response by SSG Christopher Reaves made Dec 3 at 2019 12:04 AM

SSG Christopher Reaves — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 00:04:07 -0500

After the war there were no civilian clothes, so the war Department let veterans wear their class A uniforms, this patch meant you were a vet.

Response by PO1 Gerald Sutton made Dec 4 at 2019 10:43 AM

PO1 Gerald Sutton — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 10:43:14 -0500

Ruptured duck. Says the one wearing it was honorably discharged.

Response by 1SG Joe Latimer made Dec 4 at 2019 10:39 PM

1SG Joe Latimer — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 22:39:55 -0500

Formally called, the Honorable Service Lapel Patch. It was rewarded from Sept - Dec46. Originally was a pin made out of brass until the shortage of metal and then was made out of plastic or the patch.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2019 1:17 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 13:17:25 -0500

It's the 'Ruptured Duck.' WWII veterans wore it on their Class-As.

Response by PO2 Harold Hoffman made Dec 7 at 2019 1:42 PM

PO2 Harold Hoffman — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 13:42:22 -0500

RUPTURED DUCK PIN! IT WAS ALSO THE NAME OF ONE OF THE B-25 BOMBERS THAT FLEW IN THE DOOLITTLE RAID! THE PILOT'S NAME WAS TED LAWSON

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Dec 11 at 2019 8:51 AM

LT Ed Skiba — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:51:41 -0500

Thanks.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2020 10:47 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 22:47:00 -0500

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorable_Service_Lapel_Button

Honorable_Service_Lapel_Button

Response by CW3 Terry Gile made Feb 3 at 2020 12:44 AM

CW3 Terry Gile — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:44:47 -0500

I like the "turn-to-the-right" tale. An old timer once told me the position of the wings and body posture makes the bird look like he has just been kicked in the "eggs" (or words to that affect).

(Warrants all wore the same branch insignia regardless of specialty back before the aviators recreated the entire Warrant Corps in their own image. Since the "Eagle Rising" appears to have suffered the same abuse many of my fellow warrants also used the term "Ruptured Duck" to refer to the insignia.)

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Feb 3 at 2020 8:47 AM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:47:10 -0500

This is a WWII Honorable discharge pin.

Response by LCpl Dennis Frizzell made Feb 6 at 2020 6:42 PM

LCpl Dennis Frizzell — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 18:42:15 -0500

(Ruptured duck) symbolized an GI discharged from service.

Response by SPC David McCoy made Feb 7 at 2020 7:18 PM

SPC David McCoy — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 19:18:24 -0500

That is called a ruptured duck. What you got when you finished your time during WWII .

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2020 10:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 22:17:26 -0500

Response by 1SG Steven Borts made Feb 20 at 2020 4:08 PM

1SG Steven Borts — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 16:08:48 -0500

After WWII there was an extreme shortage of civilian clothing because of all the clothing factories that had converted to making uniforms. Many returning servicemen had no clothing to wear other than their uniform. This emblem signifies that the person wearing it has been honorably discharged from the military and is authorized to wear the uniform as long as it bears this emblem. The emblem was nicknamed "the ruptured duck" and was sewn onto the service member's "going home" uniform as one of the final steps in out-processing. Service members were also issued a small gold-colored version of this insignia to wear as a lapel pin or tie tack.

Response by PO3 Paul Barger made Feb 28 at 2020 11:58 AM

PO3 Paul Barger — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 11:58:23 -0500

The bird, as most said is nicknamed the ruptured duck. According to my father a WW2 vet it was given as not just a discharged pin but as a Honorable Discharge pin and it was given to all services of WW2. The other ribbon is a Presidential Unit Citation (stressing the word Unit) and the oak cluster is for a second award for that unit.

Response by PFC Garry Tarvin made Feb 28 at 2020 1:06 PM

PFC Garry Tarvin — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 13:06:46 -0500

Id like to have that uniform. I collect ww2 Militaria. If it's for sale let me know

Response by SGT James Murphy made Feb 29 at 2020 2:53 PM

SGT James Murphy — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 14:53:20 -0500

Hmmm.... My Dad was in the 45th Div. Artillery WWII and I didn't see that in his stuff. I wonder what circumstances this was issued under. Murph.

Response by SGT Thomas Heinold made Feb 29 at 2020 4:11 PM

SGT Thomas Heinold — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 16:11:48 -0500

It’s a Honorable discharge

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Feb 29 at 2020 5:00 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 17:00:20 -0500

Ruptured duck :)
Ruptured Duck Patch -
Ruptured Duck Patch. More formally called the Honorable Service Lapel Patch, the "Ruptured Duck" was given to those members of the U.S. military who were honorably discharged during WWII. The insignia was worn on the right chest of the uniform and was meant to identify the soldiers who had done their duty.

Response by SGT Rick Colburn made Feb 29 at 2020 5:51 PM

SGT Rick Colburn — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 17:51:35 -0500

lame duck

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Mar 1 at 2020 10:44 AM

SSG Eric Blue — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 10:44:47 -0500

Haven't seen this until now.

Response by SPC Paul Sherwood made Mar 3 at 2020 6:46 PM

SPC Paul Sherwood — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 18:46:23 -0500

This is a ruptured duck and signifies that this is a discharged veteran.

Response by SPC Paul Sherwood made Mar 3 at 2020 6:48 PM

SPC Paul Sherwood — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 18:48:14 -0500

It is still authorized to wear if you have an Honorable discharge.

Response by SGT Gary Vaught made Mar 4 at 2020 3:24 PM

SGT Gary Vaught — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 15:24:39 -0500

Honorable Service Lapel Button
The Honorable Service Lapel Button, sometimes called the Honorable Service Lapel Pin, was awarded to United States military service members who were discharged under honorable conditions during World War II.[1] The award is sometimes colloquially called the Ruptured Duck.[2] Sculptor Anthony de Francisci designed the award.
The Department of Defense awarded the button between September 1939 and December 1946, and it was made of gilt brass, except during metal shortages during which it was made of gilt plastic. Service members who received the plastic version were later allowed to trade it in for the brass version.

Response by LTC N Willard Schwartz made Mar 5 at 2020 12:18 PM

LTC N Willard Schwartz — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 12:18:26 -0500

It was issued to indicate that one had served during WWll

Response by LTC N Willard Schwartz made Mar 5 at 2020 12:19 PM

LTC N Willard Schwartz — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 12:19:13 -0500

it was issued to indicate that one had served in WWll

Response by COL Ed Gibson made Mar 8 at 2020 10:34 AM

COL Ed Gibson — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 10:34:24 -0400

We WW11 veterans refer to the emblem as the "RUPTERED DUCK". I wear it on my lapel on appropriate occasions 'Ed Gbson

Response by SPC Vic Lusby made Mar 27 at 2020 11:15 AM

SPC Vic Lusby — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 11:15:28 -0400

It was worn by discharged soldiers to allow them to still wear the uniform while transitioning back to civilian life,

Response by MAJ Bryan Wheeler made Mar 27 at 2020 11:44 PM

MAJ Bryan Wheeler — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 23:44:21 -0400

WWII Honorable Discharge Badge also came as a lapel button.

Response by SGT Gary Stemen made Mar 28 at 2020 12:01 PM

SGT Gary Stemen — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 12:01:32 -0400

Ruptured duck was only for honorable discharged veterans. Less than honorable did not receive that patch.....

Response by Cpl Jeffrey Braswell made Mar 28 at 2020 2:27 PM

Cpl Jeffrey Braswell — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 14:27:04 -0400

Interesting. My question is, was wearing your uniform after discharge common after WW2?

Response by Cpl Willard Roy made Mar 28 at 2020 8:14 PM

Cpl Willard Roy — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 20:14:56 -0400

I am a past commander of an Amvets post. I found the ruptured duck pins and presented them to our last two WWII vets one that is blind he makes his wife pin it on him every morning.

Response by Sgt Randall Dunkley made Mar 30 at 2020 1:22 AM

Sgt Randall Dunkley — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 01:22:01 -0400

Once becoming a member of the Armed Forces of the United States during 1941 to 1945 you were forbidden to wear civilian clothes by regulations. When you had enough points to be discharged in 1945 you had to wear your uniform home. But being no longer a member you had to be identifiable to Military Police and Military facilities to get home. There is also a lapel pin for civilian dress that shows you are a veteran. Some of these pins are gold plated and so marked. On the way home you still had access to the USO and travel by Military Aircraft was also available. You also had to have your discharge orders with you. Most uniforms seem to have been put away never to be looked at again. It was a big club and it seemed that everyone was a member and as much as I tried to get my Dad and his friends to talk about the war it was rare for them to mention it. It was a great mental hardship on most who failed to be accepted for Military Service. It was so important to be part of the effort an a disgrace to be turned away. Our emblazoned ball caps and jackets are our Ruptured Ducks today,Semper Fi

Response by SGT Richard Domenden made Apr 29 at 2020 12:31 PM

SGT Richard Domenden — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:31:08 -0400

"1940s World War II Honorable Discharge insignia patch worn on the uniform of Curtis Strand of the 9th United States Army Air Forces, 6th TAC USAAF – The patch was commonly referred to as the “Ruptured Duck.” The discharge insignia, embroidered onto a cloth lozenge and sewn on the right breast of the tunic, allowed its wearer to wear his or her uniform for up to thirty days subsequent to discharge." thstrand

Response by SFC Duncan MacQueen Sr made May 5 at 2020 12:44 PM

SFC Duncan MacQueen Sr — Tue, 05 May 2020 12:44:12 -0400

As previously noted, it was known as the “Ruptured Duck” – but officially it was the “Honorable Discharge Award” – to indicate an honorable discharge; a lapel pin for civilian clothes was also issued. Normally you’re not supposed to wear the uniform after non-retired discharge, however they waived that rule because after spending 4-6 years in uniform, no one had any civilian clothes; and the little that did exist probably didn’t fit anymore. With this emblem on your uniform, and your discharge wallet card, you could wear the uniform to go on job interviews. Personally, I think it was a good idea.

Response by SPC Roy Vierck made May 7 at 2020 4:44 PM

SPC Roy Vierck — Thu, 07 May 2020 16:44:56 -0400

The Honorable Service Lapel Button, sometimes called the Honorable Service Lapel Pin, was awarded to United States military service members who were discharged under honorable conditions during World War II.[1] The award is sometimes colloquially called the Ruptured Duck.[2] Sculptor Anthony de Francisci designed the award.

The Department of Defense awarded the button between September 1939 and December 1946, and it was made of gilt brass, except during metal shortages during which it was made of gilt plastic. Service members who received the plastic version were later allowed to trade it in for the brass version.

Response by PO2 Ron Baker made May 29 at 2020 1:32 PM

PO2 Ron Baker — Fri, 29 May 2020 13:32:08 -0400

/Users/ronaldcbaker/Desktop/3601-pic-2.jpg I was discharged from the Navy in 1971 and we received a Service specific pin with our "Ruptured Duck" surrounded by U.S. Navy Honorable Discharge in Red, White and Blue.

Response by PO2 Ron Baker made May 29 at 2020 1:35 PM

PO2 Ron Baker — Fri, 29 May 2020 13:35:31 -0400

/Users/ronaldcbaker/Desktop/NavyRupturedDuck.jpg I was Honorably discharged from the Navy in 1971. We received our "Ruptured Duck" on a pin with the "Ruptured Duck" surrounded with the words U.S. Navy Honorable Discharge in red, white and blue.

Response by COL Willard Bean made May 29 at 2020 5:01 PM

COL Willard Bean — Fri, 29 May 2020 17:01:37 -0400

Money was scarce at the end of WWII and discharged veterans couldn’t afford to buy a complete civilian wardrobe so they were allowed to wear their uniforms without any insignia except the “Duck” to designate them as veterans.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2020 3:23 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2020 15:23:52 -0400

I believe that’s what my grandpa called a ruptured duck.

Response by SPC Christopher Murano made May 30 at 2020 6:32 PM

SPC Christopher Murano — Sat, 30 May 2020 18:32:38 -0400

That's the "Ruptured Duck". When service members were discharged from active duty after WWII, many no longer had any civilian clothes, so they were allowed to wear their uniforms for a period of time after discharge. The "Duck" showed that they had been honorably discharged and, in spite of the uniform, were no longer under military jurisdiction.

Response by PFC Stephens Clark made Jun 3 at 2020 5:52 PM

PFC Stephens Clark — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 17:52:40 -0400

Possibly communication, via pigeon handler, getting messages back and forth??

Response by LTC Clayton Hill made Jun 6 at 2020 1:27 PM

LTC Clayton Hill — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 13:27:21 -0400

Speaking of WWII and D-Day anniversary, I have completed research of my father's WWII service in the South Pacific in Australia and on islands near New Guinea. There is one piece of information missing - in deployed as corpsman with Red Acorn 5, USNAVBASE FUNK is listed in deployment NAVPERS Form 553 - any idea where this was?

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Jun 6 at 2020 8:03 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 20:03:24 -0400

The ‘bird’ is the ‘Rucker’s duck’.
It was ‘earned’ by WWII Soldiers who were ‘honorably’ discharged ir still on Active Duty. It was worn on the uniform until the SM had enough money to purchase civilian clothes. My Father was ‘issued’ one as he served during WWII and Korea.

Response by PO2 Bob Dempsey made Jun 18 at 2020 9:22 AM

PO2 Bob Dempsey — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:22:19 -0400

As my late father explained it to me, it is commonly referred to as the “Ruptured Duck”. It is an Eagle proudly marching home from victory in WWll and signifying a discharged service member.

Response by COL Ed Gibson made Jun 19 at 2020 1:04 PM

COL Ed Gibson — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 13:04:50 -0400

The "Ruptured Duck" I wear with pride on my WW11 baseball cap the ruptured duck emblem and my gilder badge also on my hat. At age 94 and still spending 45 to 50 hours a week assisting Military Engineers in transition from their Military Service I am indeed blessed.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2020 11:35 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 11:35:09 -0400

For information regarding this award, please see this link. Also, there is a link within this page regarding coming myths about the award. I recommend reading that as well. Here you can also order replacement for military family members and you can order one for yourself. http://www.amervets.com/replacement/duck.htm#ord

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Response by A1C Ronald Harris made Jun 28 at 2020 10:24 AM

A1C Ronald Harris — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 10:24:04 -0400

My grandfather also had lapel pins to wear on civilian clothes.

Response by SSG Geraldi Waugh made Jun 28 at 2020 12:55 PM

SSG Geraldi Waugh — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 12:55:04 -0400

Ruptured duck

Response by SSG Robert Klingenmaier made Jun 28 at 2020 1:09 PM

SSG Robert Klingenmaier — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 13:09:16 -0400

If you were to do a search on EBay using Ruptured Duck you’ll find all kinds of trinkets that were made. Tie tacks, rings, cuff links, buttonhole pins, some are made of Silver and Gold. Also there are original manuals that were given to service men that explain the wear of their uniforms when they get home. The manual has the Ruptured Duck on the cover.

Response by CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2020 3:35 PM

CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 15:35:24 -0400

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jun 29 at 2020 1:39 AM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 01:39:29 -0400

Your friend's grandfather's ribbon is the Presidental Unit Citation with one oak or a silver leaf cluster. If it's silver, his unit has been awarded PUC, five times. If it's an Oak leaf, the award is only for being awarded twice. The Ruptured Duck patch is unoffical and sewn on the inside of the right hand cuff. This was mostly used by NAVY personnel who were slightly injured. Sewn on for just a dollar by someone who worked in the parachute section, on a carrier.

Response by LT Steve Wilson made Jun 30 at 2020 3:51 PM

LT Steve Wilson — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:51:14 -0400

Ruptured Duck (WWII Honorable Discharge)

Response by PO3 Johnny Davis made Jul 2 at 2020 6:22 PM

PO3 Johnny Davis — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 18:22:32 -0400

Just seen one today that someone found in the river, it was a grave marker

Response by SSG Ricky Johnson made Jul 4 at 2020 2:02 PM

SSG Ricky Johnson — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 14:02:35 -0400

My dad was a WWII vet, and he had the Ruptured Duck sewn on his uniform. I was wondering though, my mother was also in the Army during WWII as a Army Surgical Nurse (WAC). I don’t recall ever seeing one of these on her uniform. Should she have received one (44-46)?

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Jul 11 at 2020 10:47 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 22:47:43 -0400

I always called it a ruptured duck.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2020 11:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 23:10:36 -0400

It symbolizes that a person fought in WWII.

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Jul 18 at 2020 9:13 PM

Lt Col George Roll — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 21:13:12 -0400

That is the "Ruptured Duck" It was awarded to veterins of the 2nd World War.

Response by MSG Felipe De Leon Brown made Jul 19 at 2020 5:46 PM

MSG Felipe De Leon Brown — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:46:23 -0400

It's called the "Ruptured Duck". All WWII veterans who were honorably discharged were/are authorized to wear them on both their uniforms and civilian attire. My dad served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy and he always wore his on his VFW cap or on his lapel.

Response by TSgt Stephen Crumb made Jul 31 at 2020 9:23 AM

TSgt Stephen Crumb — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 09:23:23 -0400

GI's being discharged did not have civilian clothes readily available and had to continue to wear their uniforms until civies could be obtained. The "ruptured duck" showed that they had been discharged and were no longer under military authority. There was also a small lapel pin version that ex servicemen often wore on their civilian suits.

Response by 1SG Steven Malkowski made Aug 10 at 2020 6:51 AM

1SG Steven Malkowski — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 06:51:38 -0400

The cloth version was sewn on the uniform to signify you were honorably discharged and not AWOL. There being a shortage of just about everything during the war, including clothing, servicemen wore their uniforms for many weeks after discharge. The metal lapel pin could be placed on civilian clothing to show you served honorably while the war was still in progress.

Response by Sgt Ronald Russell made Aug 15 at 2020 12:22 PM

Sgt Ronald Russell — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 12:22:55 -0400

All branches, all eras are qualified. See: https://www.amervets.com/replacement/duck.htm Scroll down

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

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Aug 16 at 2020 3:19 PM

SGT Justin Anderson — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 15:19:04 -0400

A lot of service members returning home lacked civilian clothing as your issued uniforms is what you wore. A lot of guys wore their uniforms until they were able to purchase new clothing. It's called a ruptured duck. If you were honorably discharged from service you were rated to wear it on your uniform.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Sep 15 at 2020 3:49 AM

CPO Jack De Merit — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 03:49:41 -0400

To begin with, there are no birds connected to the Military as far as insignias. What you are referring to is an Eagle. While I was born during the Second World War, I have never seen that particular eagle before.

Response by SSG Randy Talbot made Sep 25 at 2020 9:32 AM

SSG Randy Talbot — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:32:07 -0400

The Army honorable discharge pin (patch) was worn by soldiers getting ready for discharge/already discharged. This allowed the wearer to continue wearing his uniform for thirty days after discharge as there was a clothing shortage after the war and companies shifted from wartime oroduction to civilian clothing.

For the soldier, this meant that he would be leaving service "as fast as a ruptured duck."

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Feb 8 at 2021 4:49 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:49:37 -0500

It was nicknamed the, "Ruptured Duck," but it was a lapel type pin issued to WW2 Veterans.

Response by PFC Martin Potashner made Feb 8 at 2021 5:03 PM

PFC Martin Potashner — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:03:30 -0500

I NEVER KNEW THAT THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION I JUST GOT A PRESENT FROM MY BUDDY FROM OUR UNIT IN THE 1950S HE HAD A T SHIRT MADE UP OF OUR UNIT THAT HAD BEEN DEACTIVATED AFTER THE VIETNAM DAYS