United States of America - Rare US WW2 Selective Service Medal in original display box + ribbon bar - Military medal - 1945

Offered for auction is a nice original and not that easy to find Selective Service System Service Medal with the original bottom part of the display case and ribbon bar. The lapel pin is not present anymore. The Selective Service Medal is awarded for exceptionally meritorious service or for significant achievements or inspiration to others which contributed to the goals of the Selective Service System i.e, the Draft. Civilian and military personnel were both eligible for this award. It was issued for service in WWII, which is officially from 07 Dec 1941 until 31 Dec 1946. Bronze, 31.7 mm, original ribbon with brooch pinback, very light contact, near extremely fine. Accompanied by its 9.5 mm x 35.5 mm Ribbon Bar with pinback, in nice condition, see photos.

Great medal for your WW2 collection!

History of the medal

The Selective Service System Second World War Service Medal was the first medal issued by the agency and was widely recognized when first awarded. As the Second World War wound down, more and more Americans were being recognized for their bravery and service during the conflict. Returning soldiers wore colorful ribbons denoting their decorations and service medals. And, for the first time in United States history, civilians who had significantly contributed to the war effort were recognized with the Medal of Freedom and the Medal for Merit. Perhaps it is not surprising that a medal was proposed and authorized for volunteers in the Selective Service System. The Selective Service System was the agency that administered the military draft during the Second World War. More than 100,000 people served in the Selective Service System, most as volunteers. Selective Service personnel served on local draft boards, advisory boards, appeal boards, medical advisory and registrant advisory boards, and state boards. They served as directors, clerks, and examiners. They worked as government appeals agents, re-employment committeemen, examining physicians, dentists, medical field agents, social workers, and many other positions. By the end of the war, it was estimated that volunteers spent an average of ten hours a week fulfilling their Selective Service duties, often in the evenings and on weekends. Their contributions to the war effort were significant and public sentiment demanded national recognition. Their decisions sent their neighbors to war, interrupting and sometimes ending their lives. In June 1945, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1812 "to authorize an award of merit for uncompensated personnel of the Selective Service System." This resolution went to the Senate, was quickly passed, and became Public Law 112 (Chapter 219, 1st Session, 79th Congress) when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed it on July 2, 1945.