Form No. 53-55   1 November 1944

Notes:

3. GRADE

Corporal

Corporal Grade 5 Insignia        



33. DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS

Good Conduct Medal

FRONT BACK

The Good Conduct Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal Military service. It is awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes himself/herself from among his/her fellow soldiers by their exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service. Qualifying periods of service include each three years completed after 27 August 1940 or, for first award only, upon completion of at least one year upon termination of service if separated prior to three years. The immediate commander must approve the award and the award must be announced in permanent orders.



ATO Medal

FRONT BACK

ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL
a. The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded to personnel for service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between 7 December 1941 and 2 March 1946 under any of the following conditions:

1. On permanent assignment.
2. In a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 days not consecutive.
3. In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that he actually participated in combat.

b. The eastern boundary of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater is from the North Pole, south along the 141st meridian west longitude to the east boundary of Alaska, then south and southeast along the Alaska boundary to the Pacific Ocean, then south along the 130th meridian to its intersection with the 30th parallel north latitude, then southeast to the intersection of the Equator and the 100th meridian west longitude, then to the South Pole. The western boundary of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater is from the North Pole south along the 60th meridian east longitude to its intersection with the east boundary of Iran, then south along the Iran boundary to the Gulf of Oman and the intersection of the 60th meridian east longitude, then south along the 60th meridian east longitude to the South Pole. The Asiatic-Pacific Theater included Alaska, Hawaii, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and all of Asia.

Note: This may be wrong. I searched the Internet and found "ATO Medal" listed on discharge papers with no explanation as to what it meant. I did however find on a few sites where they had (Asian Theater of Operations Medal) after "ATO Medal". Would love to hear from anyone who knows the correct information on the "ATO Medal".



World War II Victory Medal

FRONT BACK

The WW II Victory Medal was awarded to all military personnel for service between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946.



55. REMARKS


ASR Score (2 Sep 1945) - 53

This score was based on a Point System:
1 pt for each month of service
12 pts for each child up to 3 children

As of Sep 2, he had served 17 months=17 pts
12 pts x 3 children = 36 pts
36 + 17 = 53



Lapel Button Issued

US Army Emblem Lapel Button All Armed Forces Lapel Button

Honorable Service from 8 Sep 1939 through 31 Dec 1946. A gold color metal lapel button 7/16 inch in height and 5/8 inch in width, a dexter eagle with wings displayed perched within a ring which displays thirteen vertical stripes with a chief, the dexter wing of the eagle behind the ring, the sinister wing in front of the ring.

The Origin of "The Ruptured Duck" Insignia
The original Ruptured Duck was a cloth insignia depicting an eagle inside a wreath. It was worn on uniforms above the right breast pocket by WWII servicemen and women. It was issued to service personnel who were about to leave the military with an Honorable Discharge. It also allowed them to continue to wear their uniform for up to thirty days after they were discharged since there was a clothing shortage at that time. This showed the MP's that they were in transit and not AWOL. Well, the boys thought the eagle looked more like a duck; and, because it meant they were going home, the popular saying was, "They took off like a Ruptured Duck"...hence the nickname.