Pin, Membership
Object number2016.133.1 a,b
MediumMetal; Enamel
Credit LineGift of David F. McKenna
DescriptionLapel pin made of gold-tone metal with blue and white enamel decoration. VFW shield at center with arched banner above and below, each with gold text. Maker's mark imprinted on reverse at bottom center. Threaded post on reverse at center.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a,b together): 0.625 × 0.625 × 0.375 in. (1.6 × 1.6 × 1 cm)Height x Width x Depth (a): 0.625 × 0.625 × 0.375 in. (1.6 × 1.6 × 1 cm)
Diameter x Depth (b): 0.5 × 0.125 in. (1.3 × 0.3 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Arched banner above and below VFW shield: "PAST COMMANDER" above and "POST 1955-57 5111" below.
Marks(a)
Maker's mark imprinted on reverse at bottom center is illegible.
Historical NotesThomas Luke McKenna’s VFW past commander lapel pin, 1955-1957 Mount Washington VFW Post 5111. Donated by David McKenna, whose father Thomas served in the Naval Construction Batallion (SeaBees) from 1943-1945. Thomas was born in 1914, and grew up in the West End. He married Antoinette Vourron in 1935, had three daughters and one son (two additional sons died in infancy), and raised his family in Mount Washington. Thomas retired from P & LE Railroad, also worked for J & L Steel and Western Union. Had an 8th grade education but tested higher. Stationed in Rhode Island, Virginia, and Hawaii during the war.
Previous owner
Thomas Luke McKenna
Related institution
Naval Construction Battalion
Related institution
United States Navy
Related institution
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Related institution
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5111
On View
Not on view1932-2017
1942
Bastian Brothers Company
1944-1945