put in = recommend

[Charles Doyle]

This seems like a variant of (or, at least, a structurally parallel synonym for) "put up":  OED _put_ verb 1, 56j.(a) "To propose for election or adoption. Also, to propose for an honour or award" (examples from 1573-1971).

--Charlie
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---- Original message ----
>Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 17:21:34 -0800
>From: Jonathan Lighter <wuxxmupp2000 at YAHOO.COM>
>Subject: put in = recommend
>
>Meaning "Esp. _Mil._, to recommend (someone) officially for an award," virtually standard American English from WWII on, but not in OED:
>
>  1967 in Bill Frey _Letters from 'Nam_ (N.Y.: Warner Books, 1992) 22: I went out under heavy fire last night to bring in that wounded G.I. and I've been put in for a Bronze Star.
>
>  WWII related cites are myriad, but I don't believe I've seen one antedating 1942.
>
>  JL

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