81st Infantry Division of the United States Army Wore the First Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
The first United States Army shoulder sleeve insignia was worn by members of the 81st Infantry Division. This is an important aspect from an insignia collectors viewpoint. This unit trained at Camp Jackson, South Carolina. Being that Camp Jackson was located on Wildcat Creek the wildcat was chosen to represent the divisions insignia in May of 1918. In September of 1918 the division was preparing to disembark to France, as a member of the Inspector General’s Department questioned that division. Why were all personnel wearing an insignia with a wildcat on their left sleeve?
The commander of the division explained the meaning of the wildcat insignia and this began the road of approval for shoulder sleeve insignia for the United States Army.
One could say, shoulder sleeve insignia has a 2 fold purpose or meaning. The meaning of shoulder sleeve insignia may be a personal one. To many, it may just be another item of the required uniform, but to some soldiers it is something very different. “A unique insignia embodying a proud, personal sense of participation in his organization, depicting the historic past of which he attaches great pride and honor.” Insignia meant, strength, will, pride, a belonging, and with this it became the norm for Military Uniforms worldwide.
March 20 2011 | Collecting Police Patches, Insignia, Decorations And Badges | Comments Off