WWI Marine with a weird patch on his sleeve

[abqpropguy]

I got this photo today and upon closer examination I noticed a weird patch on the marine on the far right and on his left sleeve. It’s located right below his rank chevrons.

 

 

 

 

[world war I nerd]

At first, I thought that maybe the unknown insignia was some sort of a weird variant of either the 41st or 78th Division insignia. But when I compared them to the image, they weren't even close.

 

It's very interesting, but I'm stumped!

 

Here's a straightened image with a bit more contrast

[PATCHRAT]

looks like a WWI version of the 78th Division

[Blacksmith]

Sure as heck does.

 

looks like a WWI version of the 78th Division

[GWS]

To add a bit more mystery to an already mysterious photo, what is the strip above his left breast pocket(ribbons?) and the hard to see patch on his left side coat sleeve where O.S. stripes would normally be? Looks almost triangular. ????

[world war I nerd]

Hmmm ... In retrospect, it sure does look like the early version of the 78th Division insignia. I think Patchrat is right.

 

If it is a 78th Division insignia, why is a Marine wearing it there?

 

Those are definitely ribbons on the chest and the insignia on his sleeve is either an untrimmed & inverted overseas or stateside service chevron or an untrimmed discharge chevron worn low on the sleeve. Wearing the discharge chevron just above the service chevrons was commonly done by members of the Marine Corps.

 

I seem to recall reading that recruits were asked if they wanted to transfer to the USMC at some point during their induction into the military. Unfortunately, I can't recall when or where this took place - recruiting office - training camp - somewhere else?

 

Could it be possible that the guy began training with the 78th Division, but for reasons unknown he was transferred to, or volunteered to switch services? I wish I could remember exactly what I read ...

[abqpropguy]

It totally looks like a 78th patch! How bizarre? Why would he apply an army patch to his marine coat? I am curious if the guy next to him a 78th Div soldier....patch is just enough out of sight to be unreadable!

 

 

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[world war I nerd]

abqpropguy, can you post an enlargement of the shoulder patch worn by the soldier next to the Marine? Maybe someone will be able to ID it.

[doyler]

Looks like full size egas on collar too...not discs.

 

Former wartime unit patch then he served in marines? Hard to say but very interesting picture.

[abqpropguy]

Here is the close up of the guy next to him......but lost a lot of detail.

 

[abqpropguy]

Possibly 84th Division?

 

[world war I nerd]

I think this one might be Ambulance Service

[abqpropguy]

BAM!!!! Of course that’s what it is......Ambulance Service!! It looks exactly like it!!!

[abqpropguy]

But I am still stumped why that marine is wearing that army patch on his sleeve!

[Captainofthe7th]

Could he have mistaken it for a radio operators patch?

 

Rob

[trenchbuff]

Wow! Talk about a guy who just wore what he felt like.

[Blacksmith]

You earned your forum name on that one - nice work Sir!

 

I think this one might be Ambulance Service