An award pin is a small object, usually made from
metal
A metal () is a material that, when polished or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electrical resistivity and conductivity, electricity and thermal conductivity, heat relatively well. These properties are all associated wit ...
or
plastic
Plastics are a wide range of synthetic polymers, synthetic or Semisynthesis, semisynthetic materials composed primarily of Polymer, polymers. Their defining characteristic, Plasticity (physics), plasticity, allows them to be Injection moulding ...
, with a pin on the back, presented as an
award
An award, sometimes called a distinction, is given to a recipient as a token of recognition of excellence in a certain field. When the token is a medal, ribbon or other item designed for wearing, it is known as a decoration.
An award may be d ...
of achievement or a mark of appreciation. They are worn on clothes such as jackets, shirts or hats.
Description
Award pins usually have an image or words, or both, depicting the reason for the award.
An award pin series that is offered by the
U.S. Government to all eligible civilians is the
Pilot Proficiency Award Program.
Award pins are commonly given to participants of youth sports as a method to reinforce excellent play and sportsmanship. There are many companies that provide Sports Award Pins.
Award pins can usually be plated on Gold (plain or antique), Silver (plain or antique), Nickel and Black Nickel or Copper (plain or antique).
During the manufacturing process pins can be filled with enamel colors and then covered with a thin coat of epoxy to protect these colors.
Noteworthy award pins
The
Astronaut pin is awarded to military and civilian personnel who have completed training and performed a successful spaceflight and is the least-awarded qualification badge of the United States military.
After
Apollo 1
Apollo 1, initially designated AS-204, was planned to be the first crewed mission of the Apollo program, the American undertaking to land the first man on the Moon. It was planned to launch on February 21, 1967, as the first low Earth orbital ...
's fire in 1967,
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the federal government of the United States, US federal government responsible for the United States ...
turned to
Charles Schulz to use the character
Snoopy
Snoopy is an anthropomorphic beagle in the comic strip ''Peanuts'' by American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. He also appears in all of the ''Peanuts'' films and television specials. Since his debut on October 4, 1950, Snoopy has become one of ...
for its new safety award. The Silver Snoopy award pin was created to reward those who significantly contribute to the safety of spaceflight operations. It is one of the highest awards in NASA and the space industry.
In 2010, the French Minister of Culture
Frédéric Mitterrand slightly pinned
Marion Cotillard's chest as he decorated her with the award pin of the Chevalier de l’
Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
The Order of Arts and Letters () is an order of France established on 2 May 1957 by the Minister of Culture. Its supplementary status to the was confirmed by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963. Its purpose is the recognition of significant ...
.
See also
*
Badge
A badge is a device or accessory, often containing the insignia of an organization, which is presented or displayed to indicate some feat of service, a special accomplishment, a symbol of authority granted by taking an oath (e.g., police and fir ...
*
Lapel pin
A lapel pin, also known as an enamel pin, is a small brooch, pin worn on clothing, often on the Jacket lapel, lapel of a jacket, attached to a bag, or displayed on a piece of fabric. Lapel pins can be ornamental or can indicate the wearer's affi ...
References
Award items
Memorabilia
Badges
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