Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a U.S. Issue Medic "Red Cross" flag. The flag is constructed of linen and measures approximately 50 x 30 inches, with a large "Red Cross" in the center. It is multi-piece construction, made from two large pieces of white linen, and the central red cross, with grommets on the flags header. The only marking on the flag is on the header, and reads 4  X 2 1/2, which indicates the size of the flag excluding the header, 4 ft (48 inches) by 2 1/2 ft (30 inches).

The flag is in very good condition, with the expected age toning and small tears from age and storage. A great item for any U.S. medical display!

It was important to clearly identify Medical personnel in the field. One of the early documents, such as the "Amelioration of the Conditions of the Wounded in Armies in the Field" signed August 22, 1864, by a number of Governments, already instructed that Flag and Arm Badges worn by Medical personnel would bear a Red Cross on a White Field. Both symbols when used on Hospitals, Ambulances, Evacuation and Aid Centers, were to be proof of their neutral status! These signs provided for neutrality of military and civilian protected personnel (it gave them non-belligerent status) exclusively engaged in removal, transportation, and treatment of wounded and sick, or the administration of sanitary formations and establishments, and entitled them to respect and protection from their enemies. The "1929 Geneva Convention" which superseded the former agreement, was signed on July 27, 1929 by forty-seven countries (including the Axis countries, Germany, Italy, and Japan) and comprised numerous articles, among which Articles 9 and 21, recognizing that bearers of special identification cards and civilian protected personnel identified by armbands, and vehicles, and installations wearing Geneva Convention markings and markers, were all exclusively engaged in medical care activities, and consequently protected and respected by the Geneva Convention.