Historama Autumn Mail Auction #5

Defender of Jerusalem ("Magen Yerushalayim") badge, 1948, w/safety-pin back; 3.15g. Two-piece badge w/white metal base shield w/"Jerusalem" & emblem of pre-State Army "Hagana" in bronze superimposed; worn on left pocket of both military & civilian dress, precursor to War of Independence campaign ribbon (instituted 1951), which replaced it (and a miniature Defender of Jerusalem pin worn on that). Awarded to soldiers & civilians who served under command of Officer Commanding Jerusalem bet. April - 10 June 1948 ("second phase" & part of third of War, after stage when Jewish & Arab forces fought for control of transport/supply routes. "First Truce" came into effect on 11 June (J'lem front cdr, Mickey Marcus, was killed by friendly fire on the 10th).