Bracelet
Object number2012.101.2
Manufacturer
Voices in Vital America
Date1970-1976
MediumNickel-plated brass, paint
Credit LineGift of Rick and Donna Erisman
DescriptionSilver, metal, adjustable cuff bracelet. Engraved on the front is soldier information.Dimensions2.25 x 7 in. (5.7 x 17.8 cm)InscriptionsEngraved on the front is: "MAJ. MERRILL LEWIS JR. / 7-20-66".
MarksStamped inside right "VIVA".
Historical NotesMerrill Raymond Lewis, Jr. from Indianola, Iowa, went MIA in July of 1966. His remains were discovered in 1989. POW/MIA bracelet from the Vietnam War. Bracelets like this one bear the name of a prisoner of war or someone missing in action, and were purchased and worn by many individuals during the war. The bracelets premiered on Veterans Day, November 11, 1970; the brainchild of college students Carol Bates and Kay Hunter as a way to bring awareness to the plight of missing servicemen. Donor Donna Erisman, like many other high school girls during Vietnam, purchased and wore them. The individuals named on the bracelet were not necessarily known by the purchaser and Donna did not know the men on her bracelets.
Related person
Major Merrill Raymond Lewis Jr.
Related institution
National League of Families POW/MIA
Previous owner
Donna Erisman
Related person
Carol Bates
Related person
Kay Hunter
On View
Not on view
1945
