Need help identifying a skull patch

[Ironwood]

I've been trying to find out the meaning of a little skull patch on my brother's left arm. A friend told me to post the photo here and someone might know what the little patch means. I do know the brother in the Army was a "Sharpshooter". I never really knew that brother. He was killed during WWII. I'm the little feller in the photo and the last one living.

Thanks for any information.

Harold, OD Sr, OD jr and Gene.jpg

[Pete44ru]

.

That is a World War II, wool on wool, hand made 2nd Infantry Division Rangers lower sleeve SKULL patch - It should measure 2" in diameter, with no backing.

Those patches are EXTREMELY rare, because the 2nd Infantry Division selected personnel from their three Infantry Regiments (Artillery, and Division Engineer) to take the Ranger Battle Training Course at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin, during only the 8 weeks from April 12, 1943 to June 5, 1943 - to complete intensive Ranger training.

The men that successfully completed the course were presented with a certificate and THAT striking sleeve emblem of a white skull on a black circular background.
The insignias had been made by hand by the wives and other women associated with the Division.

So, evidently, your brother was a WWII Army Ranger.


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[Rusty]

Thank you Ironwood for sharing some of your family history with us.

And thank you Pete for sharing your knowledge. I am constantly amazed on this forum. We have some of the classiest and most knowledgeable here anywhere.

[Griff]

Thank you Ironwood for sharing some of your family history with us.

And thank you Pete for sharing your knowledge. I am constantly amazed on this forum. We have some of the classiest and most knowledgeable here anywhere.

+1 and +1. I could only identify the 2nd Division shoulder patch.

[Ironwood]

Pete, thank you for the information. I've always thought that little patch was something very special. I doubt anyone in my family knew my brother was an Army Ranger. My Mom was very proud of her boys. Had she known O.D. jr. was an Army Ranger she would have said something about it.

Now I know why I couldn't find that patch on any of the Military sites I searched. Thank you again.

[Pitchy]

Most awesome pard and glad you found the info about it, great info Pete.

[SteveR]

Some web pages on the patch:

http://theindianhead.blogspot.com/2008/ ... ngers.html
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ ... h-on-ebay/
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ ... l-patches/
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ ... ull-patch/
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ ... gnia-help/

Steve

[Ironwood]

Thanks for all the information and sites on the Army Ranger Skull Patch. It's seems my photo of a Ranger wearing the patch might be rare also. I would also like to thank my friend Pitchy for his suggestion to post question on the Lever Board.

[piller]

In 1988, the Second Infantry Division (2ID) was in Korea, and the Commanding General was General E. Burba. The Division still was tough even then, and they trained harder than either the 82nd or the 101st. Having been in all 3, I can say that with a little bit of personal experience. The 2ID has a lot to be proud of, and your brother is obviously one of the reasons. May he RIP.