WWII US Army 1st Cavalry Division Patch

An early1st Cavalry Division patch. Unusual example fully embroidered with a tight horizontal yellow weave and a tan border, removed from uniform with age and service wear.

Measures 5 1/8” x 3 1/4”

The 1st Cavalry Division arrived in Australia and continued its training at Strathpine, Queensland, until 26 July, then moved to New Guinea to stage for the Admiralties campaign 22–27 February 1944. The division experienced its first combat in the Admiralty Islands, units landing at Los Negros on 29 February 1944. Momote airstrip was secured against great odds. Attacks by Japanese were thrown back, and the enemy force surrounded by the end of March. Nearby islands were taken in April and May. The division next took part in the invasion of Leyte, 20 October 1944, captured Tacloban and the adjacent airstrip, advanced along the north coast, and secured Leyte Valley, elements landing on and securing Samar Island. Moving down Ormoc Valley (in Leyte) and across the Ormoc plain, the division reached the west coast of Leyte 1 January 1945.

Code: 57211