Ruptured Duck Inquiry

I am searching for the history of the Honorable Discharge lapel button or
"Ruptured Duck" from its very inception including all variations. I can't find
any reference at the local library or on the net. Google only locates the
standard lapel pin and patches. Can anyone help? Thank you, Lorraine.

Note email is fake

Thanks for the input Lonnie, but I am looking for a greater in depth detailed
history of origin, dating and designs. It appears that there were several
variations of this item and I can not tell what was official or an unauthorized
modification. Also, from what I've garnered; "The Honorable Service Lapel Button
was a small token of appreciation given to every American service member that
was discharged during and after World War II. It was nicknamed the "Ruptured
Duck" by the more than 12 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines that
were mustered out of the military between September 8, 1939 and December 31,
1946."

If you like to continue this discussion directly I can be reached via, located
at att dot net, regards Lorraine.

"Lonnie J. Potter" <colt45model1911@NOSPAM.gmail.com> wrote in message
news:Xnwqe.115292$J25.59853@bignews6.bellsouth.net ...
> "Lorraine" <notme@nowhere.net> wrote in message
> news:Tqxhe.214039$cg1.75093@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> >I am searching for the history of the Honorable Discharge lapel button or
> > "Ruptured Duck" from its very inception including all variations. I can't
> > find
> > any reference at the local library or on the net. Google only locates the
> > standard lapel pin and patches. Can anyone help? Thank you, Lorraine.
> >
> > Note email is fake
> >
> The Origin of "The Ruptured Duck" Insignia
> The original Ruptured Duck was a cloth insignia depicting an eagle inside a
> wreath. It was worn on uniforms above the right breast pocket by WWII
> servicemen and women. It was issued to service personnel who were about to
> leave the military with an Honorable Discharge. It also allowed them to
> continue to wear their uniform for up to thirty days after they were
> discharged since there was a clothing shortage at that time. This showed the
> MP's that they were in transit and not AWOL. Well, the boys thought the
> eagle looked more like a duck; and, because it meant they were going home,
> the popular saying was, "They took off like a Ruptured Duck"...hence the
> nickname.
>
> I retired from the Air Force in 1994 and I wear mine proudly.
>
> Lonnie J. Potter, Staff Sergeant
> US Air Force (Retired)

Hi Lonnie,

Again I like to thank you for taking the time to reply to my posting. My
searching "indicates" that the Ruptured Duck was awarded for service during WWII
and as you indicated, at one time made from both plain and gold plated plastic.
I have the plastic pin but never found an un-plated one. However, there are
other variations. I have a typical gold metal pin but it has an additional blue
enameled background added to the bottom with a "Navy" inscription. I have also
seen other variations even one that had "Air Force" inscribed on it. Were these
issued? I don't know. So far I have not found the definitive answer. Their are
many others leading all the way back to WWI, not referred to as a Ruptured Duck
but certainly a predecessor to that name.

From, The American War Library, I received the following:
The accurate history you are looking for was lost long ago and buried in
countless myth. There are, however, several speculative history's based on
various elements of truth that can be found.

That statement appears to be correct as I have just about run out of resources
and possibly reached a dead end.

Thank you, Lorraine.