WW2 US Army Ruptured Duck Printed

The “Ruptured Duck” is an informal term for the embroidered or printed Honorable Service Lapel Patch awarded to United States military personnel at the end of their service during World War II. The insignia design features an American bald eagle encircled by a wreath, symbolizing honorable discharge. This particular item is a printed version of the insignia, as issued during the period for application on uniforms. Soldiers wore the Ruptured Duck patch above the right breast pocket of their service uniform, identifying them as honorably discharged and granting certain travel privileges, such as free transport home or permission to wear the uniform for a period following discharge. The printed patches were commonly used on warmer weather uniforms, as opposed to the embroidered variant used on wool. This artifact provides historical context for American military practices during and immediately after World War II, illustrating the recognition given to returning service members.