It's a brass (?) pin, about an inch wide. I wonder who bought it for his girlfriend, and if he is still alive today?
The internet tells me:
"The tradition of sending home keepsake items actually started during World War I when the strain of the Great War made keeping in touch with the folks back home seem even more important. The sweetheart custom continued when the U.S. faced more formidable opponents during World War II. One of the favorite ways to show patriotism and feel close to those serving our country was expressed through wearing a special piece of jewelry reflecting the branch of service a sweetheart, son or brother was representing. Whether in the form of a necklace, bracelet or pin, these patriotic symbols provide a heart-felt look back at the 1940s and beyond."
Good to know.
