Name, Number, Next of Kin

American identity discs from the Second World War are among the most recognisable pieces of twentieth-century militaria, yet even they evolved as the conflict intensified. This early matched pair to Joseph S Swierszcz tells a fuller story than most later examples.

Stamped with his full name and service number – 12087834 – the discs also record T43, indicating his tetanus shot in 1943, along with the complete name and address of his next of kin: Mrs B Swierszcz, 2093 Mohegan Ave, New York, N.Y. It is that level of personal detail that marks these out as an early-war issue.

As American involvement deepened, reports emerged that German forces were broadcasting captured prisoners’ home addresses over the radio. In response, identity discs were simplified to include only name, number and tetanus year. Earlier discs bearing full next-of-kin details were soon discontinued, making surviving examples like this pair increasingly desirable.

Both discs are identical, machine-punched from one side. The shorter chain was designed so one tag could be removed if a soldier fell, leaving the second for identification. The small groove opposite the chain hole simply secured the blank in the stamping machine – despite the persistent myth that it was meant to hold the disc between a soldier’s teeth.

A modest object in size, perhaps, but rich in personal history and wartime adaptation.