187th GIR and 188th GIR/PIR question

[Longhorn92]

So both these units saw action in WWII but most patches pictured in references such as Keller and Angolia list them as "occupation patches," although Angolia's book says the 187th was worn from May 1945, obviously wartime. The 188th Hells Angels is the other one I'm referring to. The 188th evidently became "Airborne" in March '45.

 

If both are mostly occupation era and either US made or Japanese made, am I right in thinking that both are to be legitimately included in a WWII collection and there is just no way to tell if a particular patch was made in 1945 or 1949? It appears that the same styles existed throughout the late 40's and into the 50's.

 

Thanks for any info.

 

 

[BILL THE PATCH]

I asked my father years ago about seeing any other patches besides the generic 11th abn patch. He said never saw anything different he said. He was in the 188th. He was sent home early from occupation Japan. But I'm sure there is photo proof somewhere of the patches being worn most likely all theater made. That's when soldiers would have Japanese companies make beautiful silk, bullion, patches. I'm not sure there were any us mfg 187th 188th patches produced as of 45. I would consider the patches to be ww2 era.

 

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[walika]

I asked my father years ago about seeing any other patches besides the generic 11th abn patch. He said never saw anything different he said. He was in the 188th. He was sent home early from occupation Japan. But I'm sure there is photo proof somewhere of the patches being worn most likely all theater made. That's when soldiers would have Japanese companies make beautiful silk, bullion, patches. I'm not sure there were any us mfg 187th 188th patches produced as of 45. I would consider the patches to be ww2 era. Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

Small world. My great-uncle was a Parachute Infantry Unit Commander in the 188th PIR. He received a battlefield commission to 2NDLT commanding a Machine Gun Platoon, engaged in several of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He served in the 188th, 1942-1945. His Separation Record explains his role: "lead unit in seizing and holding or otherwise exploiting such important tactical localities as installations in conjunction with or pending arrival of other ground units." I have his Bronze Star, Purple Heart and other items. Asiatic-Pacific (arrowhead and 5 battle stars). After the war he managed a hotel in Tokyo for a few months during the early occupation before returning home.

 

The fighting at Nicklos Field, Philippines (Feb 1945) was to the death with hand-to-hand combat using bayonets and knives. By nightfall, the 187th and 188th had cleared most of the field of enemy combatants. The 11th was selected by General Mac Arthur to lead the Allied Forces in occupying Japan. On 30 August 1945, the 188th were the first to land on Japanese soil with 1096 men. From August to December, 1945 he remained there before returning home and honorably discharged on 1 December 1945 at Fort Dix, NJ.

[BILL THE PATCH]

Do you know what bn? My dad was hq's 2nd bn. If you look through my old posts my dad's medals and pictures are posted.

 

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[Allan H.]

I think that any patch collector that specializes in a certain era has to make a decision as to where the lines need to be drawn for a starting and an end point for their area of specialization. The lines get blurred rather easily. This is one of the reasons that the Keller brothers expanded their Emblems of Honor volume on airborne forces from WWII to the beginning of the Vietnam conflict. It is pretty obvious from my multiple posts that I consider myself to be a WWII airborne historian, but one of my favorite aspects of collecting WWII airborne are the pieces from Occupied Japan. The hand embroidered patches, Japanese-made jump jackets, Swing Caps and other items are both gorgeous and fascinating. One of the more interesting aspects of collecting patches from the Japanese occupation is that so many of the patches were worn as a "combat patch" on the right shoulders of so many jackets. I personally think that trying to draw a line in the sand on the end date for a collection is usually going to be rather difficult. The official end date for WWII is September 2, 1945 which was the date of the formal surrender of Japanese forces, rather than VJ Day which was August 14, 1945- the day that Japan acknowledged defeat when Emperor Hirohito declared that Japan was surrendering.

 

I would say that if you like the Japanese made occupation stuff, then perhaps you should include it as an extension of US forces from the end of the war.

 

Allan

[mortaydc60]

Agree with Allan. you would have a very boring and small collection if you did not include the occupation period of Japan. Besides these are not only sought after for their beauty but there raritity and value, you cannot ask for a better combination. If you did not include the occupation you would be left with US and perhaps some Phillipines made patches.

[Longhorn92]

Thanks, guys.