1937 National Jamboree Souvenir Pin

In 1937, the Boy Scouts of America held their first National Jamboree in Washington, DC.  The event was supposed to have occured on the 25th Anniversary of Scouting in 1935 but was postponed due to a Polio epidemic.  The 1937 Jamboree was held in early July so some of the Scouts and Leaders attending this event could make the World Jamboree in August across the pond in the Netherlands.  There were many displays at the Jambo and the event was held on the Mall with the Washington  Monument as a centerpiece to the Arena Shows.

The Pin shown above, while not a patch, was still a collectible item that most Scouts could pick up at the event.  This particular medallion pin shows the 1937 Jamboree Logo and had a clasp back so it could be pinned to a uniform or Sash.  This particular pin belonged to Life scout Jimmie DiRago who attended the Jamboree with the Tennessee Valley Council Contingent.  Jimmie later would serve as a Gunner on a Mid Range Bomber during World War II.  he was shot down over Germany in the latter days of the war was declared Missing in Action.  His body was never found.  A monument now exists on the Waterfront of Camp Westmoreland where he served as the Camp Bugler during the 1930's.