The History of Army Patches

The U.S. Army began using sleeve insignia patches during World War II, generally divided by corps, division and brigades and worn high on the left shoulder under the seam. The Army extensively uses patches while the U.S. Marines occasionally employ them. During World War II, some Marine divisions displayed patches on their uniforms, but the practice ended with the war. The U.S. Navy and Air Force have made little use of insignia patches.

The Civil War

Insignia patches were rarely used during the Civil War era either by the Union or Confederate armies. Soldiers for both armies typically wore the same uniform whether for garrison duty or combat. Sleeve patches only designated enlisted men's ranks while shoulder patches, or straps, identified officers' ranks. Corps, division or brigade identification was sometimes, but not always, found on the forage cap.

Official Introduction

The first patch belonged to the 81st Division that trained in Camp Jackson, S.C., at Wildcat Creek. The wildcat was chosen as the division symbol in May 1918. The informal insignia was adopted by the Inspector General's Office to promote esprit de corps. Gen. John Pershing ordered all divisions to wear division patches, which later were extended to corps and brigades.

Popularity

Most Army shoulder patches were not designed and issued to soldiers until after the war ended, in November 1918. However, it was met with enthusiasm among soldiers, especially veterans who had documented evidence beyond their discharge papers of their unit affiliation. Many divisions and identifying patches survive today while others were permanently retired or retired then revived during World War II.

Collector's Item

National Geographic Magazine was the first national publication to write about Army patches, in December 1919. The article sparked civilian interest in the details of military uniforms as collector's items and a source of military lore. Collectors created a cottage industry in trading and selling veterans' military patches. However, there is little monetary value in patches.

Big Red One

Perhaps the most enduring and recognizable Army shoulder patch belongs to the 1st Infantry Division, or Big Red One. The division was formed in June 1917 in New York City and issued its patch, designed simply with a large number 1, on Oct. 31, 1918. The unit, which enjoys status today, was the first Army division during World War I to land in France, to arrive at the front and to engage in combat.

Patch Science

The Army insignia patch was elevated to an art form during World War II with symbolism and heraldry becoming the primary elements of a patch. Research and design of the patch belonged to the Army Quartermaster Corps from 1924 to '62. The development then belonged to the Institute of Heraldry, an arm of the Quartermaster Corps, and later to the Army Adjutant General's Office.

Types

Full color patches are worn on Class A uniforms, but separate, subdued patches are issued for the Desert Camouflage Uniform. The patches are attached by Velcro and are colored black, light brown or foliage green. While the patch is typically worn on the shoulder, today's soldier can also attach it to the Velcro front pocket, shoulder pads of body armor, backpack or his combat helmet.

Resources

• Army patch details