During World War II, sterling silver was one of the few precious metals available to jewelry manufacturers. Most “sweetheart” jewelry – patriotic pins, rings and bracelets, generally worn at home in remembrance of loved ones fighting abroad – was made of pot metal or plastics. Non-military issued jewelry worn by the soldiers themselves, however, tended to be of a higher quality in sterling. It makes perfect sense when one considers that pieces such as our Army bracelet, enameled "Protect Us" medal with original cord, and US Army Transportation Center medallion could have been worn in battle or in the supply chain and therefore subject to damage. We don’t know who originally owned these pieces or what action they saw, but judging by their condition they were highly valued. The "Protect Us" medal appears never to have been engraved. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: Bracelet, 7", Medallion, 1.5" Diam., "Protect Us" medal, 13" with cord, medal. 1".