Japan. A Killed in Action (KIA) Badge, c.1944

In silvered bronze, unmarked, measuring 24.5 mm (w) x 28.7 mm (h) inclusive of its ball suspension, the badge with a ring suspension and attached to a purple cord with tassels at either end, the cord suspended from a triangular pinback hanger, contact marks on the reverse, better than very fine.

Footnote: The Killed in Action (KIA) Badge was awarded by the government-sponsored Izoku-kai. This group was under the auspices of the Ministry of Welfare. In addition to the badge, the war-bereaved family received a pension (the value of which depended on the soldier's rank), a one-time payment, a governmental award payment, funeral expenses, free (or sometimes discounted) railway pass, and help for school tuition for school-age children.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.