United States: Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge

An un-named sterling silver, gilt and enamel breast badge

The decoration is worn on the right breast of the uniform tunic, below all medal riband bars under the pocket button

The reverse of the badge complete with 3 x pin-posts, which each have a brass clutch-back clip fitting. The reverse of badge with makers mark logo for 'N. N. Meyer', together with 'Sterling' hallmark, dating the insignia as a very early award, from circa 1949-1969 (era of Korean War, Vietnam War and the Cold War)

The Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge is a military badge issued to members of the United States armed forces who are permanently assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and its subordinate offices, and in addition, to some of the Defense Agencies and Department of Defense Field Activities

The badge was first created in 1949 and was referred to as the 'National Military Establishment Identification Badge'. In 1950, the badge was renamed as 'Department of Defense Identification Badge'. On, 20 December 1962 the badge was given its current name

Award criteria: It is issued as a permanent decoration and is to be worn for the remainder of an individual's military career, provided that a service member served at least one year (two years for Reserve personnel not on active duty) in or in support of OSD. Personnel who are awarded the badge include all military personnel, when they are assigned on a permanent basis to any of the following organizational elements

Amongst some of the most distinguished, and easily recognizable, recipients of this decoration were:

- General Colin Powell
- General Norman Schwarzkopf
- Lieutenant-General Hal Moore

A scarce and impressive early issue of this decoration

Condition: About EF

Code: 22292