Comes with C.O.A.

This rare and incredible museum-grade WWII artifact is an original soldier’s uniform patch from the 25th Infantry Division.

The 25th Infantry Division, also known as the "Tropic Lightning" division, was a unit of the United States Army that fought during World War II. It was one of the most decorated divisions of the war, participating in some of the most significant battles of the Pacific Theater.

The 25th Infantry Division was first activated in Hawaii in 1941, just before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The division was made up of soldiers from Hawaii, the mainland United States, and other Pacific islands. At the time of its activation, the division was under the command of Major General Leonard Wood Jr. The division was initially tasked with defending Hawaii against a possible Japanese invasion.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the 25th Infantry Division was among the first units to engage in combat. The division's soldiers fought bravely, but were ultimately unable to prevent the Japanese from inflicting severe damage on the American fleet. In the days that followed the attack, the division continued to defend Hawaii, but it soon became apparent that the Japanese had no plans to invade.

In early 1942, the 25th Infantry Division was sent to Australia to begin training for combat operations in the Pacific Theater. The division spent the next several months training and preparing for its first major campaign. In September 1942, the division was deployed to Guadalcanal, a strategic island in the Solomon Islands.

The 25th Infantry Division played a crucial role in the Battle of Guadalcanal. The division's soldiers fought fiercely against the Japanese, who were determined to hold onto the island. Despite heavy casualties, the division was able to secure a foothold on the island, which allowed other American units to reinforce and eventually push the Japanese off the island.

After the victory at Guadalcanal, the 25th Infantry Division participated in several other major campaigns in the Pacific Theater. In November 1943, the division was sent to New Georgia, where it fought in the Battle of Munda. The division's soldiers once again displayed their courage and tenacity, pushing the Japanese back and securing the island for the Allies.

In early 1944, the 25th Infantry Division was sent to Bougainville, another island in the Solomon Islands. The division's soldiers fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the campaign, including the Battle of Hill 260. Despite facing heavily fortified Japanese positions, the division was eventually able to secure the island for the Allies.

In late 1944, the 25th Infantry Division was sent to the Philippines to participate in the liberation of the islands from Japanese occupation. The division played a crucial role in the Battle of Leyte, one of the largest and most significant battles of the Pacific Theater. The division's soldiers fought bravely against the Japanese, who were determined to hold onto the islands. Despite heavy losses, the division was able to secure a victory and liberate the islands.

The 25th Infantry Division continued to participate in the campaign in the Philippines, fighting in battles such as the Battle of Luzon and the Battle of Manila. The division's soldiers displayed great courage and determination in these battles, pushing the Japanese back and eventually securing victory for the Allies.

After the war, the 25th Infantry Division was deployed to Japan as part of the Allied occupation force. The division played an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the country, helping to rebuild Japan after the war.

In conclusion, the 25th Infantry Division was one of the most decorated and successful units of the United States Army during World War II. Its soldiers fought bravely in some of the most significant battles of the Pacific Theater.