Military
Custom Embroidered Patches

Check out our army embroidered patch!

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  • Army Embroidered Patch
For sample display purposes only. These are not for sale. Any customer ordering from HPI EMBLEM represents and warrants that they have the authority to use logos and trademarks submitted for reproduction.

US Army Patches: A History

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  • The U.S. Army patches were instituted not only to identify soldiers but also to distinguish their unit, recognize their corresponding rank, and acknowledge their special accomplishments, thereby reflecting pride and camaraderie among each unit and its members.
  • Army patches have three basic types:

    1. Unit Army Patches. As the name suggests, these are the patches that identify a soldier’s unit. These patches symbolize the unit’s history, values, spirit and accomplishments. Symbols are intricately designed to signify a unit’s identity.

    2. Rank Insignia Army Patches. These patches flaunt the wearer’s rank and are usually worn on the shoulder or sleeve. These patches were rarely used during Civil war era, where sleeve patches designated enlisted men’s ranks and shoulder patches distinguished officers’ ranks. It was believed that the first insignia patch was made for the 81st Division who were trained in Camp Jackson, South Carolina in May 1918. The Inspector General’s office adopted wildcat as an informal insignia. Initially, General Pershing commanded all divisions to wear division patches until it extended to corps and brigades.

    3. Combat Army Patches. Also called shoulder sleeve insignia, these patches will distinguish a soldier who has been deployed on a combat mission. The infamous Army shoulder patch belongs to the 1st Infantry Division formed in June 1917 in New York City. This unit is distinguished by a big number 1 army patch, signifying that they were the very first Army division during World War I to land in France and engage in combat (hence it is called the Big Red One). Since the Revolutionary War, soldiers have used patches and other symbols as a manner of identification. However, it was not until 1919 that these patches were officially regulated as soon as the War Department General staff began approving designs and insignia. Upon transferring these responsibilities to the Quartermaster General, the Army Quartermaster Corps, in turn, had in-charge with army patch design and research, making symbolism and heraldry the basic element of a patch. In December 1919, National Geographic Magazine published an article about Army patches, which captured the interest of civilians. The collector’s curiosity has instigated a cottage industry in trading and selling army patches.

    ------ Be Proud With An Air Force Patch
    It takes a lot of courage to fly a fighter plane. You have to risk your life and your future. In spite of that, men from the Air Force still live up to the people’s expectations of them. They courageously fight for the citizens and the country. Among Air Force men, it is an act of heroism and they feel proud that they are able to contribute to the state. An Air Force patch also symbolic of the same kind of heroism that Air Force officers have exhibited. To an officer wearing it, an Air Force patch is a reminder of how much he has sacrificed for his country. Originally introduced back during the World War II, the tradition of wearing Air Force patches started not as a trend but as an expression of pride and identity. It made them stand out from all the members of the military. Over the years, people have witnessed the evolution of the Air Force patch. Styles that were once dull and lifeless have been hyped up. Even the colors have also undergone transformation. Regardless of the design and style, the spirit behind the wearing of an Air Force patch continues to live on even among non-Air Force personnel and officers. Because of their bravery, they will always be recognized and honored for what they have done. The wearing of an air force patch is one of the many ways wherein one can show his or her admiration for this group of men’s courage and dedication towards their commitment. Air Force patches have been constant reminders of how they have served the state and offered their lives to mankind. Nowadays, the Air Force patch has taken on a different meaning. What was once a patch that identifies the Air Force personnel from the other branches of the military is now worn by just about anybody. People have their own reasons for wearing a patch. Whether it is a personal style, a fashion statement or an iconic figure, there is no denying that this trendy accessory is on its way of becoming very popular.