Three (3) Grand Army of the Republic National Encampment badges, commemorating the 74th National Encampment, held in Springfield, Illinois, in 1940, the 75th National Encampment, held in Columbus, Ohio, in 1941, and the 76th National Encampment, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1942. 

1. Three-piece bronze metal badge with dark yellow silk ribbon. 2 1/8" x 5 1/4". Top bar is a representation of the membership eagle. Drop includes a small depiction of Abraham Lincoln's home and reads: "G.A.R. Representative / Lincoln's Home / Springfield, Ill. / Sept. 8-13, 1940 / 74th National Encampment." The pendant bears an image of late G.A.R. Commander in Chief John Erie Andrew (1849 - 1940), with the legend: "John E. Andrew / Died in Office / June 30th 1940." To reverse of pendant: "74th National Encampment / Grand Army of the Republic / Springfield, Ill. / September 8-13 / 1940."

2. Three-piece bronze metal badge with dark yellow silk ribbon. 2 1/8" x 5 3/4". Top bar is a representation of the membership eagle. Drop includes a miniature Seal of Ohio and reads "September 14-19 1941 / Columbus, Ohio / Representative GAR / 75th Annual Encampment." The pendant below features an image of William Washington Nixon (1846 - 1944), accompanied by the legend "Commander in Chief / William W. Nixon." 

3. Two-piece bronze metal badge with golden silk ribbon. 2 1/8" x 5 5/8". Top bar is a representation of the membership eagle; suspended pendant bears an image of George Alvin Gay (1848 - ca 1945), with the legend: "Commander in Chief / George A. Gay." Ribbon inscribed below: "Representative / 76th National Encampment / Grand Army of the Republic / Indianapolis Sept. 13 - 18 1942." 

By the 1940s, the number of living G.A.R. members, particularly those willing and able to attend the National Encampment, had dramatically declined. Between the years of 1907 and 1945, National Encampment badges bore the standardized title "Representative." As a result, it is impossible to discern the rank held within the organization by the badge's awardee.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Ephemera, Medals, Badges] [Veterans, Veterans’ Organizations, Fraternal Organizations] [GAR, Grand Army of the Republic]