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U.S. ARMY 1st Cavalry Division Combat Sleeve Patch by COMMANDO
The 1st Cavalry Division Combat Sleeve Patch represents one of the most recognisable insignia in the United States Army. Known as the “First Team”, the division has a distinctive history spanning horse cavalry, infantry, air assault and armoured operations. Its patch carries this heritage and is closely associated with the service and experience of soldiers who have deployed with the division.
The tradition of wearing a combat patch on the right sleeve dates back to the Second World War. Officially known as the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia – Former Wartime Service (SSI-FWTS), it identifies a soldier’s previous service with a unit in a designated combat zone. Unlike the normal unit insignia worn on the left sleeve, the combat patch is a mark of wartime service and the connection between the soldier and the unit they served with. The 1st Cavalry Division’s insignia has consequently become a particularly meaningful emblem for its veterans.
History and Significance of the 1st Cavalry Division Insignia
The division was constituted in 1921 and activated at Fort Bliss, Texas, on 13 September that year. Its original insignia designs were developed with the involvement of the division’s first commander, Brigadier General Robert L. Howze, and Lieutenant Colonel Ben Dorcy and his wife, Gladys. Nineteen distinctive designs were initially approved in January 1922, representing the division and its subordinate elements. In December 1934, the familiar yellow shield with a black diagonal stripe and horse’s head became the standard insignia for the entire division.
Each element has a specific heraldic meaning. Yellow is the traditional colour of cavalry and recalls the division’s mounted origins. The horse’s head represents the horse cavalry, while the black colour symbolises iron and the division’s later transition to tanks and armoured vehicles. The diagonal stripe represents a sword baldric, the belt traditionally used to carry a cavalryman’s sword or other equipment. Its single stripe and the single horse’s head also refer to the division’s numerical designation.
During the Vietnam War, a subdued olive-drab version was adopted for combat uniforms to make the highly visible yellow insignia less conspicuous in the field. The division’s distinctive patch has continued to represent its soldiers through subsequent deployments and changes in organisation.
This COMMANDO woven patch is a reproduction of the 1st Cavalry Division combat sleeve insignia, suited to military memorabilia collections, uniform displays and military history enthusiasts.
Features
Specifications
Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0092
Patch Type: 1st Cavalry Division combat sleeve patch
Construction: Woven
Attachment: Sew-on
Dimensions: 95 x 135 mm
Barcode: 9357994009108
A distinctive piece of U.S. Army history, the 1st Cavalry Division Combat Sleeve Patch commemorates the division’s cavalry origins, its evolution into a modern fighting force and the service of the soldiers who have worn its insignia in the field.
The tradition of wearing a combat patch on the right sleeve dates back to the Second World War. Officially known as the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia – Former Wartime Service (SSI-FWTS), it identifies a soldier’s previous service with a unit in a designated combat zone. Unlike the normal unit insignia worn on the left sleeve, the combat patch is a mark of wartime service and the connection between the soldier and the unit they served with. The 1st Cavalry Division’s insignia has consequently become a particularly meaningful emblem for its veterans.
History and Significance of the 1st Cavalry Division Insignia
The division was constituted in 1921 and activated at Fort Bliss, Texas, on 13 September that year. Its original insignia designs were developed with the involvement of the division’s first commander, Brigadier General Robert L. Howze, and Lieutenant Colonel Ben Dorcy and his wife, Gladys. Nineteen distinctive designs were initially approved in January 1922, representing the division and its subordinate elements. In December 1934, the familiar yellow shield with a black diagonal stripe and horse’s head became the standard insignia for the entire division.
Each element has a specific heraldic meaning. Yellow is the traditional colour of cavalry and recalls the division’s mounted origins. The horse’s head represents the horse cavalry, while the black colour symbolises iron and the division’s later transition to tanks and armoured vehicles. The diagonal stripe represents a sword baldric, the belt traditionally used to carry a cavalryman’s sword or other equipment. Its single stripe and the single horse’s head also refer to the division’s numerical designation.
During the Vietnam War, a subdued olive-drab version was adopted for combat uniforms to make the highly visible yellow insignia less conspicuous in the field. The division’s distinctive patch has continued to represent its soldiers through subsequent deployments and changes in organisation.
This COMMANDO woven patch is a reproduction of the 1st Cavalry Division combat sleeve insignia, suited to military memorabilia collections, uniform displays and military history enthusiasts.
Features
- COMMANDO U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division combat sleeve patch
- Represents the First Team and its long military heritage
- Based on the division’s recognised shoulder sleeve insignia
- Associated with the U.S. Army combat patch tradition
- Woven patch construction
- Suitable for military memorabilia and uniform displays
- Sew-on attachment
Specifications
Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0092
Patch Type: 1st Cavalry Division combat sleeve patch
Construction: Woven
Attachment: Sew-on
Dimensions: 95 x 135 mm
Barcode: 9357994009108
A distinctive piece of U.S. Army history, the 1st Cavalry Division Combat Sleeve Patch commemorates the division’s cavalry origins, its evolution into a modern fighting force and the service of the soldiers who have worn its insignia in the field.
Orders received before 8am (Melbourne time) will be shipped same business day. All orders received after this time will be shipped next business day.
Standard shipping times: 3 - 5 business days metropolitan - (additional time for regional locations)
Express Shipping Time - (1 business day for Metropolitan, 1-3 business days for all other locations)
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