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WWII 108th Cavalry Regiment 205th Engineer Battalion Screw Back DUI DI Crest pin

$ 13.17

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Modified Item: No
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Condition: Pre-Owned
  • Theme: Militaria
  • Region of Origin: United States
  • Conflict: WW II (1939-45)
  • Original/Reproduction: Original

    Description

    This sale is for a WWII, or possibly pre-war, enamel, distinctive unit insignia (DUI/DI) for either the 108th Cavalry Regiment or 205th Engineer Battalion of the US Army. While the 108th Cavalry uses this as their current design, the book
    U.S. Army Heraldic Crests- A Complete Illustrated History of Authorized Distinctive Unit Insignia
    by Barry Jason Stein refers to this pin as an "obsolete" insignia for the "205th Engineer Battalion" or " 205th ENGR BN." I suspect this is an error on the part of the author, but have included it in case someone is using the book as a guide to complete a collection.
    This is the screw-back version, that would have been in use prior to and through WWII, and is not marked. It does have "205 ENG BN" etched by hand into the back. It is regulation size- about 1 1/4 inch tall. This has 5-color enamel (red, yellow, blue, green, black) that looks great and a nice looking brass patina where it comes through.
    The design draws on considerable elements from the unit's early campaigns. The red saltire draws from the unit's service in the Confederate Army. A Native American Warrior represents the unit's service during the Indian Wars. A cactus represents actions on the border during the Border War with Mexico. It incorporates the 42nd Division's rainbow from its WWI service with the motto "Come What Will" at the bottom.
    According to Stein, the design dates to November 1, 1929, when it was approved by the Army. In WWII, the unit saw service in
    Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
    This insignia ships free USPS First Class Mail.