Ext Rare WWI US Army Military Intelligence Agent Badge of Major Ralph Van Deman

This is a stunningly beautiful circa World War I United States Army Military Intelligence badge from the estate of Major Ralph Van Deman. Van Deman, best known as "The Father of Military Intelligence", was an Ohioan born around the close of the Civil War. He became a 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry after receiving a law degree, and then served as a surgeon in the Army before transferring to the MID (Military Intelligence Division) in 189Van Deman gathered intelligence during the Spanish-American War and then was promoted to Captain and transferred to the Philippines. He afterward entered an elite group of the first students of the Army War College. A teacher of cartography, Van Deman also did a stint in Asia before returning to the U.S. in 191After realizing that the MID had undergone some uninspired reorganization during his absence, he persuaded the powers-that-be to commission an effective intelligence-gathering entity to serve the Armed Forces. As Colonel, Van Deman assumed control in April 1917 of the new Military Intelligence Section, War College Division, War Department General Staff. Major Van Deman had a long post-war career, including as a consultant to the War Department during the Second World War. He passed away in 195The badge is in sterling silver with an enamel border and intertwined U & S at center. The badge is maker-marked on reverse, and also reads THIS BADGE IS ISSUED ONLY TO OFFICERS AND AUTHORIZED AGENTS OF THE MILITARY INTELLIGENCE SECTION GENERAL STAFF CORPS UNITED STATES ARMY.

Circa World War I.

Approximately 2" in height by 1-3/8" in width.

Sterling silver, enamel.

Vertical kick pin with C catch.

A.M. RYS CO. N.Y. on reverse at top; 00 (plus above wording) on reverse; STERLING on reverse at bottom.

This is from a United States Army collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VCEJJX13 LHEJJX3/13 SDJJJX5/13

8 (Excellent-): The badge is in beautiful shape with tarnish to the reverse only.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.