AEF Comrades in Service WWI Veterans Association Charm (folded into the American Legion)

Nice little piece from a very short lived organization. This was folded into the American Legion practically before the boys even made it home.

Comrades In Service was a WWI AEF veteran's group that was incorporated into American Legion soon after it was initially formed. It lasted less than a year in 1919. This is a nice, rare piece of history.  It is in fairly good condition. There is some wear on the back. The loop has some blue-ish tarnishing.

Among the aims of the organization, were "to stimulate interest in helpful mental and social activities, looking to creation, development, and conservation of a high morale. As well as mainly sports”, and, “to bind Americans together as Comrades to work for a better America upon their return home.”

“Comrades in Service” had been conceived by AEF Chief of Chaplains Bishop Charles Brent, who even as he was signing up “comrades” was eyeing with suspicion a rival group which was holding a caucus in the Cirque de Paris (an amusement hall in Paris taken over by the YMCA).  However, when the caucus, a group of ranking officers and enlisted men, approved a suitable preamble, Bishop Brent relented and threw “Comrades in Service” into the ranks of an organization to be known as “The American Legion.”