Rare Vintage 1919 Army Ordnance Association (AOA) Lapel Pin.

In 1917, Brigadier General Benedict Crowell was called to active duty and served on the General Munitions Board. As a board member, he established a relationship with the steel industry and was appointed Assistant Secretary of War and Director of Munitions. As Director of Munitions, Crowell was a significant catalyst in improving the countrys capability to produce arms and ammunition. He recognized the nations need for an association that fostered cooperation between civilian industry and government in support of industrial preparedness. He founded the Army Ordnance Association (AOA) in 1919 and served as president for its first 25 years. Over the ensuing decades, AOA became the American Defense Preparedness Association (ADPA), which then merged with the 1944 National Security Industrial Association (NSIA) in 1997, creating the National Defense Industrial Association NDIA. *This shows you how far back the history of the AOA and this lapel pin goes (1919). Im uncertain what type of metal this very rare pin is, however, there is no tarnish, no rust. Flawless. $20 . . . Keizer, Salem, Dallas, Silverton, Stayton, Brooks, Hubbard, Gervais, Gates, Detroit, Woodburn, Jefferson, Sweet Home, Albany, Corvallis, Sheridan, Otis, Lincoln City, movies, copy, music, Monmouth, Rickreall, McMinnville, Turner, Aumsville, Wilsonville, Lake Oswego,