26th Infantry 1st Division

[Quickdraw McGraw]

I am looking for someone with some knowledge of military insignias. My grandfather was in the 26th infantry 1st division (Blue Spaders). He is buried in the American Cemetary in Normandy.

I have some patches on my range back (US flag, etc). I would like to honor him by putting adding his shoulder patches on my range bag. I have also recently acquired an M1, the weapon he was carrying when he was killed in France on July 5, 1944 by German mortars. Not sure if putting patches on my bag would offend military persons or not. I was never in the military.

Thanks for any help that can be provided. I hope to someday take a trip to France to visit his grave.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RJChapman]

26th Infantry 1st Division

Try this site. You might find what you need.

http://www.angelfire.com/md2/patches/division1a.html

 

[Tim the student]

http://www.riley.army.mil/units/3ibct/history/226in.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26th_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States)
http://www.bluespader.org/modules/news/
http://cgi.ebay.com/WW2-26th-Infant...472QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=&itemid=380171385472

Thank god for men like your Grandfather.

I was in the Army, and I do not think that anyone would ever be offended at you putting a 1st ID patch on your range bag. You are paying a tribute of sorts to him - do as you want.

I looked a bit at www.rangerjoes.com, and some other sites but I didn't see any 26th crests. I know they are around (they are worn as part of the Class A uniform), but you may have to do a bit of digging to find them.

ETA: Some shops around Ft. Riley will probably have some. Try looking there. You could probably call some and see if they have any other items you may want.

Good luck.

 

[Al Thompson]

Agree with Tim. I've been in the Army (active and reserve) since 1976, no problems with a tribute patch.

 

[franconialocal]

To keep this on topic.....are you planning on engraving or painting the rifle with any commemorative items?

 

[Quickdraw McGraw]

Thanks for the help guys.

To keep this on topic.....are you planning on engraving or painting the rifle with any commemorative items?

No, I plan on leaving the M1 as is!

 

[jnyork]

A tribute patch on your range bag would be great, I cant imagine any veteran being offended by it. Check ebay, thousands of patches available there.