What does the bird emblem represent on this uniform?

/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.

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.

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.

"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

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

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.

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

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

WWII Honorable Discharge Badge also came as a lapel button.

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