United States. An American Legion Past Commander's Membership Badge, C.1938

In bronze gilt with blue enamels, engraved "R.J. UNDERHILL NORTH PLAINFIELD N.J. 1938", marked "PAT.DE.54296" and maker marked on the reverse, measuring 29.8 mm (w) x 34.3 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, original ribbon suspended from a hanger in bronze gilt and blue enamels with pinback, the hanger inscribed "PAST COMMANDER", extremely fine.

Footnote: The American Legion is a war veterans organization headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is made up of state, U.S. territory, and overseas departments, and these are in turn made up of local posts. The legislative body of The American Legion is a national convention, held annually. The organization was founded on March 15, 1919, at the American Club near Place de la Concorde in Paris, France, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces, and it was chartered on September 16, 1919, by the U.S. Congress. The organization played the leading role in drafting and passing of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, otherwise known as the "GI Bill." In addition to organizing commemorative events, members provide assistance at Veterans Administration hospitals and clinics. It is active in issue-oriented U.S. politics. Its primary political activity is lobbying on behalf of interests of veterans and service members, including support for benefitssuch as pensions and the Veterans Health Administration. The organization has also historically promoted "Americanism." Membership peaked for The American Legion right after the Second World War, when enrollments doubled from 1.7 million to 3.3 million. After the Korean War, there were 2.5 million Legionnaires. As the baby boomers joined, its membership increased to 3.1 million in 1992. However, membership has slowly been decreasing since then. In 2013, National Headquarters of The American Legion reported 2.3 million members. Veterans who served at least one day of active duty during wartime, or are serving now, are potentially eligible for membership in The American Legion. Members must have been honorably discharged or still serving honorably. Merchant Marines who served from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946, are also eligible.