Comes with C.O.A.

This rare and incredible museum-grade WWII artifact is an original soldier’s uniform patch from the 1st Infantry Division.

The 1st Infantry Division, also known as the "Big Red One" was one of the most prominent American Army divisions during World War II. The division was formed on June 8, 1917, at Fort Jay, New York, and saw action in both World War I and World War II. In this essay, we will focus on the division's role and achievements during World War II.

The 1st Infantry Division entered World War II on November 8, 1942, when it landed on the beaches of Algeria during Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. The division's initial mission was to protect the supply lines and airfields in the region. The 1st Infantry Division, under the command of Major General Terry de la Mesa Allen Sr., fought in several battles during the North African campaign, including the Battle of Kasserine Pass, where it suffered heavy losses.

After North Africa, the division participated in the invasion of Sicily in July 1943 as part of Operation Husky. The 1st Infantry Division played a significant role in the capture of Palermo, the capital of Sicily. The division's next mission was the invasion of Italy. The 1st Infantry Division landed at Salerno on September 9, 1943, as part of Operation Avalanche. The division's mission was to capture the port of Naples and cut off German supply lines. The division encountered heavy resistance but managed to secure the port after several weeks of fighting.

In November 1943, the 1st Infantry Division was sent to England to prepare for the invasion of France, which would become known as D-Day. On June 6, 1944, the 1st Infantry Division landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, as part of the largest amphibious assault in history. The division's objective was to secure a beachhead and capture the town of Vierville-sur-Mer. However, the landing was met with fierce resistance from the Germans, and the division suffered heavy casualties.

Despite the setbacks, the 1st Infantry Division continued to push inland and fought in several major battles during the Normandy campaign, including the Battle of St. Lô and the Battle of the Hedgerows. The division also played a vital role in the liberation of Paris in August 1944.

After the liberation of Paris, the 1st Infantry Division was sent to the front lines in eastern France to participate in the Allied offensive against Germany. The division played a significant role in the Battle of the Bulge, where it helped to stop the German offensive and push them back across the Rhine River.

In February 1945, the 1st Infantry Division crossed the Rhine River and advanced into Germany. The division fought in several major battles, including the Battle of the Ruhr Pocket, where it helped to capture over 300,000 German soldiers. The division continued to advance into Germany and was the first American unit to reach the Elbe River, where it linked up with the Soviet Army.

The 1st Infantry Division's achievements during World War II were significant. The division played a vital role in several major battles and campaigns, including the invasion of North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Normandy. The division also played a significant role in the liberation of Paris and the Allied offensive against Germany. The 1st Infantry Division suffered over 20,000 casualties during the war, including over 4,000 killed in action.

In conclusion, the 1st Infantry Division was one of the most prominent American Army divisions during World War II. The division's role and achievements during the war were significant, and its contributions to the Allied victory cannot be overstated.