United States. A Military Order Of The World Wars Past Commander's Membership Badge, C.1918

In bronze gilt with red enamels, maker marked "MEDALLIC ART CO NY" and number impressed "2531" on the reverse, measuring 44 mm (w) x 48 mm (h), crazing evident in the clear lamination over the red enamels on both sides of the arm at 3 o'clock, Past Commander designated by the two gilt palms on its original full-length neck ribbon, buckle closure, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of the World War was created in 1919 by General of the Armies John J. Pershing, as a fraternity for American military officers coming out of the Great War. Two decades later, when the USA became involved in the Second World War, the organization name was pluralized to its current title of Military Order of the World Wars. Though the Order's title has not changed since 1945, it remains a current officer's society welcoming new qualified members in current military service and has members from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, and peacetime service. Membership in the MOWW is open to any and all commissioned and warrant officers who served honorably, or are currently serving, in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces regardless of length of service or status as a combat veteran dating back to April 6, 1917 when the USA entered the First World War. Additionally, any direct lineal descendant from a qualifying officer may also join the order, which indicates that the order also serves as a genealogical society.