Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Patch - Loyal Order of Ruptured Ducks
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Patch - Loyal Order of Ruptured Ducks

Artifact ID1983.60185.02
Object Type Patch
Gifter
Date mid 20th-late 20th Century
Medium Fabric, Thread
Dimensions1/16 × 3 1/16 in. (2 × 77.7 mm)
Physical DescriptionA round patch with the Loyal Order of Ruptured Ducks logo, in yellow, red, white, and blue.
Historical NoteThe Honorable Service Lapel Button, better known the Ruptured Duck, was given to service personnel who were about to be Honorably Discharged during WWII. It features an eagle inside a circle, and was issued both as a brass or plastic lapel button and a cloth patch. Servicemembers thought the design looked like it was bursting through the circle ("ruptured") and more like a duck than an eagle. They also joked that those going home "took off like a Ruptured Duck." Newly-discharged personnel wore the emblem on their uniforms, allowing them to continue to wear them for an additional 30 days after discharge, as there was a clothing shortage. It also unofficially identified them as veterans, and eligible for services and discounts, and not AWOL.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)