World War II Service Flag

Date1941-1945

MediumMachine-stitched; Plain woven cotton

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 22 3/4 x 33 3/8in. (57.8 x 84.8cm)

ClassificationsTextiles

Credit LineGift of Gary W. Potter

DescriptionMilitary service flag that consists of a red border with a single blue star on a white field. The flag consists of four pieces of red cotton machine sewn together to form the border of the flag. Sewn in the center of the border is a white piece of cotton that contains one five pointed blue star that is double appliquéd. The star is machine sewn along all edges as well as between all the points to form a pentagon shape within the star. The orientation of the point on the star is random. The canvas header is machine stitched to the hoist end of the flag and contains a gold-toned metal grommet at the top and bottom. The remaining three edges of the flag are hemmed with a single stitch.

Object number2002.103.0

NotesHistorical Note: According to the donor, this flag was hung in a person's window during World War II. The practice of hanging a flag in the window served as a marker that a member of that family was in the military.

Subject Terms