Brookhaven, Mississippi, native Rodolph “Rudy” Case (1920-1979) served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II with the 409th Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force, as a pilot and aircraft commander. Case was shot down over Gotha, Germany, on February 24, 1944, and was captured by German troops the following day. He was held as a prisoner of war until May 2, 1945.

This badge was likely fashioned out of cast lead for Case while he was imprisoned at Stalag Luft I, a prisoner of war camp in Germany for Allied airmen. It is in the shape of a parachutist badge, also known as jump wings, with a parachute and extended wings. “POW,” for prisoner of war, is engraved in the center.