Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A. and a full historical write-up.

This rare and museum-grade WWII history is an original 1st Marine Division USMC uniform shoulder patch in very rare near-mint condition. The 1st Marine Division played a crucial role in the Allied victory during World War II. Comprised of approximately 20,000 Marines, the Division participated in some of the most famous actions of the war, including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa.

The Division was formed on February 1, 1941, just ten months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. After the attack, the Division was sent to New Zealand to train and prepare for combat. In August 1942, the Division saw its first action in the Battle of Guadalcanal, a six-month-long campaign that would become one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Despite facing heavy resistance from Japanese forces, the 1st Marine Division was able to secure the island and prevent the Japanese from establishing an airbase that would have threatened Allied shipping lanes in the Pacific. The Division's success on Guadalcanal set the tone for the rest of their campaigns during the war.

In September 1944, the Division landed on the island of Peleliu, which was heavily fortified by Japanese forces. The battle for Peleliu was one of the most brutal of the war, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Division was able to secure the island after over two months of intense fighting, but at a great cost.

The final campaign for the 1st Marine Division was on the island of Okinawa in April 1945. The Division was part of the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater, with over 1,300 ships and 182,000 troops involved. The battle for Okinawa lasted for almost three months and was one of the deadliest of the war, with over 12,000 Allied soldiers killed and another 36,000 wounded. Despite the heavy losses, the 1st Marine Division was able to secure the island and bring the war in the Pacific one step closer to an end.

The 1st Marine Division's success during World War II can be attributed to their rigorous training, tenacity, and adaptability. They were able to fight in a wide range of environments, from dense jungle to rocky island terrain, and they always remained disciplined and focused on their objectives.

The Division's achievements during the war earned them a reputation as one of the most elite fighting forces in the world. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten and will continue to inspire future generations of Marines.