Post by oklahoma on May 9, 2009 12:34:30 GMT -5
hey all....i threw an inquiry out there some time ago about a shoulder patch that my niece in law's grandfather had in his personal posessions when he passed away back in the 1980s. i received no response, but thought i would try again as there might be some new blood on the board who may have some info that might shed light on what this patch might represent. this patch is round in shape and has the head of a carabao (just as does the philippine (US) division displays), but this patch is red and either navy blue or black. the philippine div patch is oblong in shape and red and gold (as is clearly shown in the photo in this post) in color. the soldier in question, after his arrival in the PI in june 1941 was assigned to the 31st infantry regmt (US). he sent three patches home to his folks along with other memorabilia from the philippines. he served with the 31st US infantry until being admitted to one of the field hositals near mariveles and was taken prisoner in april 1942. i have related this story in previous posts so will not go into it again, but he sent to his family, prior to the outbreak of hostilities, a red and gold philippine div patch, a blue and white (sea horse) patch of the philippine department and this red and navy blue/black, circular, patch with the carabao head. could this insignia be the patch of the 31st infantry regmt????i realize that there was a "polar bear" pin that was worn on 31st regt campaign hats/etc, but i have never seen or heard of a regimental shoulder patch. could this be something of that order. maybe an insignia that was not authorized for wear, but could be bought in the PX as a souvineer. anybody out there who might clue me in.?