American Military Patches, Other Insignia and Decorations of World War Two
Created by Dr. Howard G. Lanham

STYLES OF PATCH (SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA) MANUFACTURE

Machine Embroidered on Felt or Wool Construction

Machine embroidered on felt or felt on wool shoulder sleeve insignia as a style of manufacture can be found as early as the First World War and continued in use afterwards. The use of a machine implies a certain uniformity and volume of production. The drawback to this construction was that the edges of insignia could fray and the wool or felt was subject to insect damage. By the end of the Second World War machine embroidered on felt or wool construction was being mostly replaced by fully machine embroidered shoulder sleeve insignia. This newer manufacture type held up much better. They were manufactured in the United States but also overseas for the U.S. Army under contract.


36th division 44th division 8th Air Force
36th Division 44th Division 8th Air Force
Army Air Forces
Army Air Forces

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