WWII US Coast Guard Female S.P.A.R.S. Officer's Eagle on blue cap band with ribbon bow in the back. Beautiful two-piece eagle, brass eagle and silver shield and anchor. On original blue cap band with black wool eagle backer.
SPARS stands for Semper Paratus - Always Ready.
This is a clever motto-based acronym, as "Semper Paratus" is the official motto of the U.S. Coast Guard, meaning "Always Ready" in Latin.
The SPARs were the United States Coast Guard Women's Reserve, established during World War II.
It was created by law on November 23, 1942, to allow women to serve in non-combat roles, thereby freeing up male Coast Guardsmen for sea duty.
Its first director was Captain Dorothy C. Stratton, who is credited with coining the name "SPARs." She had previously been a lieutenant in the Navy's equivalent unit, the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).
SPARs served in various shore-based roles such as clerical work, radio operations, storekeepers, parachute riggers, and air traffic control, which were vital to the war effort.
SPARs was the name for the women of the Coast Guard who were "Always Ready" to serve their country during WWII.
This is a exceptionally rare and complete female officer's cap device, a cornerstone piece for any collection focused on women's service in WWII.
This item ships from our location in Arizona, USA. It is not shipped by a third-party fulfillment partner. We carefully package and handle every item ourselves to ensure it arrives safely.