WW2 US War Dog Unit Insignia: A Study

[Eric Queen]

I don't think the forum has done a deep dive look at this subject thus far (if so, I wasn't able to find it). I thought it would be an interesting topic to explore and share opinions/experiences. 

 

It is my personal opinion, just based on what I have been able to learn to this point, that there was very little unit level insignia produced during the war. 

 

Let's first take a look at the US Navy. Although scarce, and have seen some beautiful hand made bullion examples, I am going to exclude these rate patches from the study as I don't believe they qualify as Unit Insignia. 

[Eric Queen]

Next, let's take a look at the Marine Corps. Evidence would suggest that at the very least the FMF-PAC Dog Platoon patch was designed and perhaps even manufactured during the war but it is my belief that it never made it to any members of the seven (7) USMC War Dog Platoons prior to these units being deactivated. 

 

1945 dated patch book (eBay image) 

[Eric Queen]

Although there a no known images of the patch in wear (that I know of) I do believe it is highly probably that men assigned to the USMC War Dog Training School (Camp Lejeune, New River, NC) could have obtained and worn the patch in late 1945/early 1946 (the school was still training dogs and handlers at this time as well as de-training dogs coming back from overseas duty).

 

There is some evidence which seems to support this. This (below) is an original Training Manual from the War Dog Training School. Not dated but based on content, I think would date to late 1945 or 1946. Notice the patch on the cover (replacing FMF-PAC with USMC) 

[Eric Queen]

This patch (which has clearly been sewn to something) was part of Alfred N. Edwards estate. Edwards was part of the 3rd Marine War Dog Platoon. He served on Iwo Jima as a Platoon Sgt. and later (in 1946) was assigned to the War Dog Training School. 

[Eric Queen]

This uniform grouping belonged to Maj. Harold C. Gors. It was shown (then sold) on the Forum several years ago. Gors was commander of the War Dog Training School in 1946. 

[Eric Queen]

Patched uniform found in a Southern California rag bin years ago. 

[Eric Queen]

Another patch which was clearly sewn to "something" at one time. It does not have the "feel" of coming off of a patch blanket but, no way to know for sure. 

 

[Eric Queen]

Most of the Patch King, Collectors Guild, etc. catalogs from late/early post war show the FMF-PAC patches as just inserts. 

[Eric Queen]

Another from 1946 publication. 

[Eric Queen]

Makes you wonder if something like these (showing just the inserts) could have inspired a member of the training school to make their own patch?

 

I think it could be possible. 

 

Patch courtesy of Mr. Bill Scott.  

[Eric Queen]

US Army.

 

It is my belief that Italian made scrolls worn by members of the 33rd, 34th, 37th and 38th Infantry Scout Dog Platoons were the only unit level insignia produced (locally) and worn during WW2.

 

Here are examples of all four (4) 

[Eric Queen]

The 38th was worn by Sgt. Frank Hall from Lees Summit, MO. Here he is with this dog Prince. 

[Eric Queen]

Two (2) more locally made examples from the 38th ISDP. 

[Eric Queen]

The 25th, 26th, 39th, 40th, 41st, and 43rd QM War Dog Platoons served in the PTO (primarily the Philippines) but, as far as I know, there is no evidence that any of these units had/wore any unit level insignia. 

 

26th ISDP on Luzon

[Eric Queen]

And last (for now) the 48th Inf. Scout Dog Platoon. The unit graduated from the War Dog Reception and Training Center at Fort Robinson, NE in August of 1945. I believe the below insignia was worn by the unit briefly in late 1945/1946. 

 

Please feel free to comment/add to anything on this thread. Looking forward to hearing insights from other collectors. 

[Eric Queen]

Moving this to Animals in Service