ruptured duck

American  

noun

Slang.

1. the symbol of an eagle with wings spread appearing in the honorable discharge emblem of the U.S. armed forces.

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Etymology

Origin of ruptured duck

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

He joined the proud brotherhood of the "ruptured duck," the eagle that everyone wore in his lapel to prove he'd been in it, had done his part.

From Time Magazine Archive

But every time she put into port, more crewmen had become eligible for a "ruptured duck" lapel button.

From Time Magazine Archive