The 45th had one of the most interesting older patches.
A replacement for this patch was approved in 1939, even without being a patch expert, I can hazard a guess why.
When Gen. George S. Patton described the 45th Infantry Division, he said it was “one of the finest, if not the finest infantry division in this history of modern warfare.” "
Thanks for the links.
Patton was in distinguished company, the German general Kesselring once described another US division (reserve division from a state neighboring Oklahoma) as the best division he had gone up against, except for the 45th.
When the 45th Division was formed late in WWI, the Thunderbird from native American folklore was chosen as its emblem. (The 1918 armistice came before the 45th could be deployed to Europe.)
The Thunderbird is, of course, the supernatural bird that brings thunder. Problem is, no one ever sees the Thunderbird and lives to tell about it for the Thunderbird also brings death to anyone who lays eyes on it.
If you're ever in Oklahoma City, a visit to the 45th Division museum out on NE 36th street is well worth it.
I was in the 36th, the unnamed "USdivision (reserve division from a state neighboring Oklahoma)".
The 45th had one of the most interesting older patches.
A replacement for this patch was approved in 1939, even without being a patch expert, I can hazard a guess why.