15-Year Ribbon Bar

This item consists of a ribbon bar awarded to volunteers or paid employees of the American Red Cross for 15 years of continuous service.

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+ American Red Cross ANNUAL ROLL CALL NOVEMBER 11-30,1941 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, D. C. October 1, 1941 ECS 10-A 1 To: Chapter Chairmen From: The Chairman Subject: Service Badge and Service Ribbon Bars. The Committee on Awards, appointed by the Central Committee; has given careful study during the last several months to the question of awards for Red Cross service. Following a review of the actions taken by a similar Committee appointed by the War Council in 1918, it was decided that for the present no awards for highly meritorious or distinguished service could be recommended as it would be difficult to make such awards with justice to the many thousands of Red Cross workers. Recognizing, however, that there was a popular demand and an urgent desire on the part of Red Cross workers to wear some general insignia denoting the fact that they are engaged in Red Cross service and also the desire for some insignia denoting length of Red Cross service, the following recommendations were made to the Central Committee and approved at its meeting on April 22, 1941. 1. Service Badge. This badge, designed by Miss Malvina Hoffman, of New York City, is gold enamel, consisting of a gold eagle with spread wings, enclosing a blue shield on which appears a red cross on a white back- ground and the one word "Service." It may be worn by all individuals currently engaged in Red Cross work, paid and volunteer, foreign or domestic. The badge has been manufactured in two sizes, the larger (women's badge) being approximately 13-16" over-all and having a pin with safety clasp. The smaller (men's badge) is 9/16" over-all and has a button back. Women may also wear the smaller badge, if they wish to do so. Either size badge may be purchased at 50 each, postpaid, orders to be sent to the appropriate Area Office. Cash should accompany all orders. The service badge is intended to be worn only with civilian clothing, as its use by workers in the uniformed groups would conflict with the special insignia usually worn with uniforms. Men should wear the service badge on their coat lapel and women to suit their individual taste, in such manner as will not conflict with regulations governing the wearing of insignia of the organized Volunteer Special Services or other groups. 197