American Military Patches, Other Insignia and Decorations
of World War Two by Dr. Howard G. Lanham 2003
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia of Infantry Units (Smaller than a Division)
U.S. Army
World War Two
AR 600-40 allowed for shoulder sleeve insignia for units of division size or larger, but a number of exceptions were
made. In many of these cases there was something unusual about the unit. The year listed is the year the shoulder sleeve insignia was approved or adopted.
Infantry Regiments
158th c19441
473rd 19452
474th 1945
Pacific
E.T.O.
E.T.O.
The 158th Infantry Regiment was a separate unit unassigned to a division. Its first assignment was in
the Panama Canal Zone where it adopted the nickname "Bushmasters." The 473rd was formed in January 1945 in Italy
using Anti-Aircraft Artillery troops unneeded with the Luftwaffe gone from the sky. The 474th was formed in January 1945 from
the remnants of the 1st Special Service Force, the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Ranger Battalions and the 99th Infantry
Battalion (which retained its designation).
Infantry Regimental Combat Team (Nisei)
442nd (1st design) 1943
442nd (2nd design) 1943
E.T.O.
E.T.O.
The 442nd Infantry Regiment was composed of Japanese-Americans and developed an outstanding combat record.
Composite Regiment (Unit), Provisional
5307th 1943 3
Pacific (C.B.I.)
Merrill's Marauders, officially the 5307th Composite Regiment (redesignated as a Unit), was a multiple battalion force for long range
penetration of Japanese occupied Burma. After finishing its mission the unit was reorganized as the 475th Infantry Regiment (also called the Mars Task Force).
http://www.marauder.org/
Infantry Battalions
99th 1943 (Courtesy: Bill Hoffland)
Filipino 1942
E.T.O.
U.S.
The 99th was a separate unit formed of Norwegian nationals in the United States and Norwegian Americans. In June 1945 as part of the 474th Regiment (see above) these men liberated their homeland. The patch was designed by Claus Hoie, a member of the unit. The First Filipino Infantry Battalion was formed in California in 1942 to assist in the liberation of their homeland. Personnel from this unit formed the First Filipino Infantry Regiment, which served in the Pacific.
Notes:
Not approved by War Department
Not approved by War Department (original on uniform)
Not approved by War Department. Similar appearing patches carry a Mars Task Force title or are without either title.
