Army Shoulder Patches

Posted on August 22, 2024

The speaker at the Lions Club August 20 meeting, talked about Army shoulder patches. A few slides follow….

The first US Army unit shoulder patch (81st Infantry Division) was approved during WWI by General Pershing, who charged all units to have their own patch.  Unit patches are a symbol of honor, pride, and identity.  They distinguish soldiers from one another and show their unit affiliation.  Each patch is unique to a particular unit and has its own story – often reflected in symbology on the patch.
Many unit patches have been featured in motion pictures. Examples:
1st Cavalry Division – We were Soldiers Once, and Young
1st Infantry Division – The Big Red One
2nd Armored Division – Fury
10th Mountain Division – The Last Ridge
23rd Inf Div – The Things They Carried 
29th Inf Div – Saving Private Ryan
82nd Airborne Divison – The Longest Day 
101st Airborne Division – Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers
Interesting histories were discussed for each of these patches

Lions Club members and guests always have a good time at the dinner meetings (monthly, on 1st & 3rd Tuesdays). Our neighbors in the community all cordially welcome to visit, make friends, and participate in volunteer community service!

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