Have you ever wondered where the idea of embroidered military patches originated? At PinMart, we carry a variety of patches, military and otherwise, and decided to do a deep dive into the history of military patches and military patch design and see what we could discover.

Throughout history, military units have found ways to distinguish ranks, divisions, skill sets, and more. Often, different garments, hats, decorative elements, or weapons were used. Embroidered patches weren’t seen until the 1800s when British soldiers began using them to distinguish the highest-ranking officers.

In the U.S. patches were first worn in war by the Union Army in the American Civil War as a way to quickly see which division the soldier belonged to. These early military patches were little more than a square of colored cloth sewn onto the hat or shirt. These first patches were very simple and hand-sewn. Shape and color were important, but elaborate motifs or decorative elements were not used as they are today.

By the time World War I began in 1914, much had changed in the world, including the Industrial Revolution, which would prove important to the manufacture of embroidered patches. In the United States, the first military patch was created for the 81^st Division by Major General Charles J. Bailey. The 81^st was nicknamed the Wildcats, and the patch features a wildcat on a circular patch. Different colored backgrounds and wildcats were used to note assignments or roughly what someone’s position was. While these are the first known official military patches in the United States, they had long been used in other countries.

Around the same time, in 1918, The First Army was established as a large number of U.S. troops arrived on the Western Front and were assigned to the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). To be effective and organized, three field armies were established, with the First Army being the first. The commander was General John J. Pershing, and he is credited with introducing the now well-known First Army Patch, which was an A on a color-blocked field of white and red.

The First Army was established toward the end of WWI, so military actions dramatically slowed. However, military divisions were still interested in creating their own military patches custom. At this point, embroidery was much more common and could be done at home or quickly and with predictable results in a factory. This meant that making patches was an easier task and they became quite common.

In WWII, patches served as a way to identify the soldier’s division, what job they did in the military, and for achievements accomplished during active duty. Having many patches was an honor and desirable. The patches were also more brilliant and elaborate because they could easily be made on machines.

One very interesting pairing occurred between Disney and the U.S. military before World War II. Both Walt Disney and his brother Roy served in the U.S. military, so the connection isn’t quite as odd as it may seem. Disney was huge then, just as popular as today, so the patches created by Disney’s artists became very collectible and popular. Even today, Disney WWII patches are collected by people who love Disney and people who are interested in the U.S. Military and history. As an interesting side note, all of Disney’s major characters of the era appeared in insignia designs except one – Bambi.

While the bright and playful patches made by Disney were eye-catching and collectible, that era has disappeared. Today’s military still uses patches, but they’re more subdued. It’s not as easy for military members to identify a soldier from a distance by their patches in this modern era, but then again, it’s also less likely they’ll be spotted when in combat.

Other government agencies have also adopted patches; maybe the most noteworthy group to do so is NASA. During the 1960s, when the space race was top news, NASA patches were made for each mission. These patches are worn on their suits and uniforms and are a quick and easy way to identify the team’s mission.

Today, embroidered military patches are still used to identify a soldier and as recognition for performance. But they’ve also become more flexible in that groups will have their own custom patches made. You’ve probably seen some veteran motorcycle and support-themed patches worn in parades, military patches for jackets, or everyday life. Patches are a great way to show support, and they’re also a wonderful way to honor someone, especially a veteran who understands the meaning, history, and significance of patches.

Timeline Dates

1800s higher ranking British soldiers wore patches

1861-1865 American Civil War patches were worn on hats

1914-1918 World War I

1917/1918 81^st Division WWI patch

1918 U.S. First Army was formed, and the 1^st Army Patch was created

1933 Walt Disney Productions created their first military insignia

1939-1945 World War II military patches reach a peak of popularity

1955-1975 Vietnam War, patches are more subdued

1960s NASA patches

If you’re interested in seeing or ordering custom military patches, visit our website or contact one of our representatives by calling 1-877-PINMART (1-877-746-6278). We’re always happy to walk you through placing an order as your military patch creator.