WWII military patchs/insignia: help with identity.

[Samgotit]

Ok, this isn't really firearms related, but I'd like to ask the mods to indulge me a bit. My Grandfather is declining in health. It is very likely that he will need to be place in an assisted living facility. VA benefits can help with this, but I need his military records. He lost everything in Katrina, including most pertinent documents.

I requested his DD-214 on-line, but received a letter back, stating that they need more info (due to a fire in 1973 that destroyed records for Army veterans discharged or decease between Nov. 1, 1912 and Dec. 31, 1959). Unfortunately, my Grandfather cannot remember many details of his service. The letter requested type of military assignment (infantry, airborne, supply, bombers, etc.) and last military organization and location (unit designation, such as army, division, regiment, battalion, company). All I know is that he was in the Army and served in the Philippines. Here are his insignias. Can someone identify these. Do they signify a particular unit?

Thanks for any help. If anyone knows of another forum that might be able to help, please let me know. Please delete this if it is out of line.



White snake, blue background and red tongue.

 

[thunder173]

You can try contacting the Military History Institute at the US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle, PA,...look them up on line,...easy,....they should be able to ID those patches,...they are before my time......good luck in your search, ...and a heaty Airborne Salute to your Grandfather.....

 

[2RCO]

Looks like a possible 158th patch at top.

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 and the 99th Infantry Batallion.

 

[2RCO]

Had to find the exact patch but it appears your Grandpa was a bushmaster.

Here is some more info:
http://www.az.ngb.army.mil/Bushmasters/Bushmasterinfo.htm

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Look at these:
http://azvetmemorial.com/bushmasters.htm
http://www.az.ngb.army.mil/Bushmasters/Bushmasterinfo.htm


The second patch is an Army Sevice Forces patch.

 

[Samgotit]

I knew you guys would get it. Thanks.

I do, now, remember him saying things about the bushmasters. The part about the Philippines confirms it. He has also said things --good things-- about the cancellation of the Japan invasion. They were tasked to go. It all fits. I will fill in the form and send it off.

Thank You.