The three letters “S O S” is an international Morse code transmitted by radio signals to seek emergency help. The distress signal “S O S” was first proposed at the International Radiotelegraph Convention of Berlin in 1906, and has been adopted and commonly used since 1908.
“S O S” could stand for “Save Our Ship,” “Save Our Souls” or “Sent Out Succour.” The letters were selected because they are short, make up an easily recognizable signal and can be quickly transmitted.
During the Vietnam War S O S also had another meaning expressing opposition to the war. Many people from various countries, including progressive American people, and even soldiers, opposed the U.S. war of aggression in Vietnam. The anti-war movement gathered strength right in America and its military from 1968 to 1971. The anti-war badge with the letters S O S emerged in this situation.
At the beginning of 1970 more and more U.S. infantrymen and marines refused to fight land battles, prompting the U.S. government to increase aerial combats. However, as the U.S. government escalated the war by intensifying bombing attacks, the number of sailors and air force personnel opposing the war rose. They organised anti-war movements, damaged warships, refused to board and fled when the ships stopped for repair or supply. The S O S anti-war badge was created by sailors in the U.S. Navy. The three letters on the badge stood for “Stop Our Ships – Support Our Sailors”. The badge was used for seeking support for their efforts to stop battleships departing for Vietnam. Besides, they were commonly used in protests organised by anti-war U.S. veterans.
This anti-war badge was presented to the War Remnants Museum by Bonnie Willdorf, a member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, in May 2018.
