History of US Army Patches

The U.S. Army patches were first worn in battle in 1918, when World War I was at rage. They were worn by the 81st Division of the U.S. Army unit. Other units followed suit, using the patches and insignias to identify the unit they belonged to. There are two kinds of patches. One is worn on the left shoulder, while the other is worn on the right. The patches worn on the left signify membership in a particular military unit. The patches worn on the right shoulder serve as a badge of honor, identifying soldiers as having been in the combat zone under a particular unit.

The Indianhead Patch

The origin of the Indianhead patch is said to have begun in 1917 when Col. Herringshaw of the Service and Support Supply of the 2nd Infantry Division ordered his men to design a symbol for his trucks. The design of the Indianhead was one of the entries in the design contest sponsored by Col. Herringshaw.
The design grabbed first place followed by the insignia of a plain white star. Herringshaw combined the two designs, and the insignia was later approved by the division commander who ordered to have the symbol inscribed on his staff car. The background, size, shape and color of this patch has undergone several changes before it has become what it is today.

The Wildcat

The patch bearing the wildcat insignia was the first patch worn into battle. This symbol belonged to the 81st Division of the U.S. Army. The wildcat was chosen as the official division symbol in May 1918.

Number 1 Patch

This patch may be the most recognizable among other U.S. Army patches. It is also recognized as the most enduring, as this one had been worn by the 1st Infantry Division, also called the Big Red One, during the battle in France at the time of World War I. This patch was issued to the unit on Oct. 31, 1918.

The First Cavalry Division Patches

The First Cavalry Division patches were worn during the civil war. The patches were worn on the sleeves, on the shoulder or as straps by the members of the Union or the Confederate Armies. Enlisted men wore them as sleeve patches, while officers wore these on the shoulders or as straps.

The Army Insignia Patches as an Art Form

During World War II, the U.S. Army patches were made to bear the heraldry and symbolism of the U.S. Army units. The Army Quartermaster Corps was assigned in the research and design of the patches, while the Institute of Heraldry was assigned with the development of the patches.

Present Army Patches

Today, the U.S. Army patches bear different kinds of insignias depending on the unit to which one belongs. Some of the old army patches have become collector's items, although, unfortunately there is little value in them.