To recognise the amount of volunteer hours that individuals put into civilian defense within their local community, a series of service ribbons was issued. The ribbons were introduced on May 8, 1943, through Operations Letter Number 127, signed by Director of the Office of Civilian Defense, James Landis.

The woven ribbon bars were 1 ¼ inches wide by ½ inch high with a central motif of the CD insignie in red, white and blue. The recipient was expected to fix their own backing to the ribbon for wear. 

Volunteers with the following Civilian Defense organizations could receive the ribbons:

Qualification for the ribbons included time spent training, attending meetings and on duty.

As a volunteer accrued more hours, they could apply for one of six ribbons.

For Service in Civilian Defense Ribbons | WWII

WWII service ribbon for 500 hours spent on civil defense duties. Two red stripes with central emblem of US Civilian Defense in the center.

500 hours — Two broad red stripes

WWII service ribbon for 1000 hours spent on civil defense duties. Two blue stripes with a central emblem of US Civilian Defense in the center.

1,000 hours — Two broad blue stripes

WWII service ribbon for 2000 hours spent on civil defense duties. Four thin red stripes with a central emblem of US Civilian Defense in the center.

2,000 hours — Four narrow red stripes

WWII service ribbon for 3000 hours spent on civil defense duties. Four thin blue stripes with a central emblem of US Civilian Defense in the center.

3,000 hours — Four narrow blue stripes

WWII service ribbon for 4000 hours spent on civil defense duties. Blue and red stripes with a central emblem of US Civilian Defense in the center.

4,000 hours — Four narrow red and blue stripes

WWII service ribbon for 5000 hours spent on civil defense duties. Gold (yellow) with a central emblem of US Civilian Defense in the center.

5,000 hours — Gold

Unidentified CD ribbon variant

A rectangular ribbon with the American flag pattern and a logo with a blue circle, triangle, and red letters 'CD' in the center.

I am trying to identify this ribbon bar. Some online sources claim it was issued to members of Air Raid Warden units of the Defense Corps. If you know what it is, and when it was issued, please drop me an message.