Images(3)

Armband

Object number2017.116.12

Date1933-1945

OriginGermany

MediumFabric

Credit LineIn memory of Edward Ruglovsky

DescriptionBlue fabric Reichsluftschutzbund armband. Circular blue fabric sleeve that is rectangular when laid flat. Front has embroidered off-white eight-sided-star emblem with dark blue embroidered German organizational name at center and swastika at bottom center. Single vertical seam on reverse at center with white embroidered text to the proper left of the seam.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 4.063 x 7.125 x 0.188 in. (10.3 x 18.1 x 0.5 cm)
InscriptionsFront has embroidered dark blue text "RLB".

Reverse has embroidered white text to the proper left of the central seam "GES. GESCH."
Historical NotesPart of a collection of items documenting Edward Ruglovsky’s WWII service in the 10th Infantry Regiment and his industrial career at U. S. Steel. Ed Ruglovksy was with 10th as a combat infantryman from January 1944 through the war’s end, and through the campaigns to take Western Europe – Rhineland, Ardennes, Battle of the Bulge, etc. Ruglovsky said it was “the worst place to be” and that he spent a “year being absolutely terrified.” Some of these things he acquired by trading Russian soldiers for them at the end of the war, which fits with the reality that combat infantryman – while in active combat – were not able to collect and save much, so acquiring items from another soldier at war’s end fits with Ruglovsky’s history of service.

Previous owner Edward Ruglovsky

Related institution United States Steel Corporation

Related institution 10th Infantry Regiment

Related institution Nazi Party

Related institution Reich Air Protection League (German, 1933 - 1945)

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