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DECORATIONS OF A DIFFERENT KIND GALLERY
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The Eighth Air Force
The "Mighty-Eighth" began January 28th 1947 in Savannah, Georgia at the exceedingly early stages of America's entry into the Second World War. Under the command of General Jimmy Doolittle, the Eighth flew their way into history as they became known for their strategic bombing raids over Nazi-occupied Europe. They developed an impressive war record flying over 440,000 bomber sorties and dropping 697,000 tons of bombs, gaining 11,200 aerial victories. They are also known for having 566 aces, 17 medal of honor recipients as well as 220 Distinguished Service Medals and 442,000 Air Medals. Despite the immeasurable victory the Eighth won for the Allied cause, they also experienced great loss sustaining half of the Army Air Corps entire wartime casualties. As the war in Europe ended, the Mighty Eighth was sent to the Pacific campaign serving in Okinawa being crucial to bringing the Japanese to a surrender. The Eighth Air Force's unique patch is easily recognized as the number 8 with wings against a blue background. The blue signifies the wild blue yonder while the number is representative of their designation as the "eighth"; and the winged star inside the number stands for the Army Air Corps. After the Army Air Corps changed to U.S. Air Force in 1947, the Eighth still served its country throughout its wars inKorea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Strike, Operation Desert Fox, Operation Allied Force, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sixth Marine Division
The Sixth Marine Division was the last formal division organized by the Marine Corps during World War 2. Born out of necessity, the 6th Marines formed from the 4th and 22nd Marine Regiments on Guadalcanal in 1944. Both regiments had fought valiantly already in their quest for liberty. The 4th had been in China, the Philippines (where many of their men were captured at Bataan) as well as served as a secret raider unit in the Solomons. The 22nd Marine Regiment had fought in the Philippines, Carolines, Marshalls and many other places in Micronesia. These regiments had just come to the Canal for some rest and rehabilitation before returning once again to the island -hopping campaign. While there, their superiors decided that they were no longer going to a be separate units, but one Marine Division which would carry more responsibility in the war. This was key in the Battle of Okinawa which was the last offensive in the Pacific Theater of Operations. It began on April 1, 1945 landing some 60,000 military personnel in one day. By April 20, Japanese forces had begun to crumble, and once the Marines penetrated the southern portion of the island, however, the real fighting began. Because Okinawa was just one step away from the Japanese homeland, they fought with extreme tenacity and reckless abandon. In fact, the enemy resistance was so tough that the Americans did not officially take the island until July 2, 1945. Battle was hard-fought, but it was also well-done as shortly after America defeated Japan on Okinawa, their surrender came officially in September, and World War 2 ended. The 6th Marine Division developed a special insignia to represent their unique unit-the names Melanesia, Micronesia, and the Orient signify the places the men of the 6th served while in the 4th and 22nd regiments. The represents their division number, and the crusade sword signifies the Allied struggle against Axis tyranny. The Sixth Division will always be remembered for its devotion to duty in the face of incredible odds.
Mitchell Ulrich
The motto of the US Coast Guard, "Semper Paaratus" is Latin for "Always Ready" representing the purpose of this military branch which is to remain constantly ready and vigilant patrolling America's coastlines protecting her from all enemies both foreign and domestic. One of Arkansas' own sons, Mitchell Ulrich, had the honor to serve in this branch for nine years. In the Coast Guard, Ulrich became an Avionics Electrical Technician Thrid Class on MH- 65 hilicopters. Ulrich also specialized in the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) where he remained from 2010-2013. Following this, he began a tour of duty in Houston, Texas primarily conducting search and rescue missions on the Gulf Coast. During his years in the Coast Guard, Ulrich knew the meaning of "Semper Paratus" always ready when his country called. For example, he was a part of the crew at the time of the first Caribbean semi-submersible drug vessel carrying roughly 15,000 pounds of cocaine. He also participated in fifteen search and rescue missions. Most notably, Ulrich saved 8 lives and located 7 missing persons.
25th Infantry Division
Known as Tropic Lightning, the 25th has been serving in America’s military since 1941. The 25th Infantry Division was activated in Hawaii on October 1, 1941. This division has the distinction of being the first US Army division to see combat in the Second World War as two months after the division’s activation, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. The 25th served honorably in the Pacific campaign-fighting in Guadalcanal, the Northern Solomons, and even were key in retaking the Philippines from Imperial Forces. It was in the Guadalcanal campaign that this division received the nickname “Tropic Lightning”, and their insignia signifies this. The patch is in the orange and red colors of Hawaiian royalty and a taro leaf representative of their roots. The lightning bolt in the center represents their name. Once the war ended the division was sent to Japan as an occupational force protecting America’s safety as well as helping Japanese civilians gain better lives in their country. Tropic Lightning were also some of the first infantry on the ground in Korea when Communist forces crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea. “Tropic Lightning” also served honorably in Vietnam with twenty-one of her of her sons receiving the Medal of Honor. They have also been the guard dogs of the Pacific area during the Cold War and were heavily involved in Operation Desert Storm as well as in the continued War on Terrorism. They maintain a constant vigil keeping America and her Allies safe.
66th Division
First organized in 1943 at Camp Blanding, Florida the 66th or Panther Division has made a name for itself in American military history. They are distinguished from other divisions by their insignia which is a circle against an orange background with red edging. In the foreground is a fierce black panther ready to strike. It symbolizes the division’s qualities-strength, agility, cunning, alert, and aggressive just to name a few. The Panthers began their training at Ft. Blanding (FL), continued to Camp Robinson (AR), and concluded at Camp Rucker (AL) before finally being shipped over to England between November and December of 1944. While they were crossing the English Channel on a mission to relieve the 94th Division in France, the one of the Panther’s transports (USS Leopoldville) was torpedoed by a German U-boat killing 14 officers and 748 infantrymen. However, 66th did not give up, but continued to Brittany, France performing daily patrols and breaking down pockets of German resistance. Upon the German surrender in 1945, the 66th remained as part of the American occupational force in Germany as well as France for a time before finally sailing home in October of 1945. Throughout their time of service, the 66th Division did uphold the integrity of their unit by displaying aggressiveness, strength, agility, and cunning in the heat of battle.
WWII US Navy Uniform
During WWII the US NAvy trained excellent pilots to launch off aircraft carriers and carry out sorties against the Japanese Navy and Air Force. These pilots were key in every Pacific campaign, but most notably the BAttle of Midway when Navy pilots of torpedo bombers defeated the Japanese Navy destroying their carriers, and thus beginning the turning point of the war for America. Interestingly, George H.W. Bush was a Navy pilot flying TBM Avengers in the Pacific. In fact, he was shot down during a sortie close to the dangerous island of Chichi Jima, but thankfully he was rescued before the enemy found him. This is a green uniform of a Naval aviator which can be identified by the decoration on his chest of aviator wings with the Navy anchor behind a shield. This Naval aviator, as noted by the silver maple leaf on his cap is at the rank of commander which is the same as lieutenant colonel in the Army, Marines, and Air Force. HIs rank is also indicated by the three black stripes on both sleeves with a star above them.
29th Infantry Division
Through the military units connected to the 29th Infantry Division, she has been involved all America’s conflicts beginning with the Revolutionary War in 1776. However, the 29th was “officially” formed on August 25, 1917 at Fort McClellan, Alabama. It was comprised of different National Guard units from three different states-Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia-men whose grandfathers just years earlier had been enemies during the Civil War. Thus, the new division was dubbed the “Blue and Gray” in honor of their heritage. Their division patch reflects their unique make-up, consisting of a Korean monad (symbol for eternal life) and blue and gray teardrops reflecting Civil War tradition. The 29th distinguished themselves most notably during the Second World War as they were a part of the first wave on Omaha Beach spearheading the invasion of France which began the end of the Nazi rule. Since then, the 29th has been disbanded, until 1985 where they were again reorganized into a division comprised of Guard units from Virginia and Maryland. Today, the 29th is comprised of Guard units from Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and even North Carolina. Though their structure has changed considerably since its founding in 1917, the 29th still holds true to its character showing the nation that no matter the difference between North and South, they still serve as one nation. “Twenty-nine, let’s go!” continues to be the motto and will be for years to come.
Atlantic Base Commands
Atlantic Base Command has its roots in the early days of the 20th century when the US Navy combined both her North and South Atlantic Squadrons becoming the Great White Fleet touring the world and “speaking softly but carrying a big stick”. Before the outbreak of World War Two, the Navy was again divided into Pacific and Atlantic Fleet with the Pacific carrying the armored and light cruisers while the Atlantic Fleet was solely battleships. Atlantic Base Command took the battleships to fight the naval battles against the Japanese forces serving the Imperialists their first naval defeat in their country’s history. Through the years they have kept America’s seas safe from the threat of the enemy. Their mission today is to train, certify, and provide combat ready forces as well as plan and execute American and joint missions protecting liberty here and across the world. Their insignia is a whale against a blue background with red and white outlines. The colors represent the red/white/blue of the United States. The blue background also signifies the ocean where the Command is stationed. The whale is supposedly “Pelorus Jack” who is a guide fish said to lead ocean-going vessels to their destinations in this part of the world.
Alaskan Defense Command
Since 1867, the US Army has been involved with the Alaskan territory watching the “back-door” of our nation. The Army’s most infamous involvement in this area was during the Second World War when the Japanese created an imminent threat to our national security. After Pearl Harbor, the Army established two strongholds in Alaska-Fort Richards and Elmendorf Field. The Army and Navy engineers began Immediate construction on airfields in the Aleutians as well as the main road in Alaska (ALCAN Highway) to provide a safer, easier route for the transportation of US Army personnel, supplies, and other equipment. In 1942, the Japanese seized Attu and Kiska islands. Retaking Attu is still considered to be one of America’s costliest amphibious assaults of World War Two. Before the US could retake Kiska, the Japanese secretly evacuated the island leaving it open territory for the Americans. Eventually most military installations in this part of the world were either abandoned or transferred to other departments. After the US Army and Air Force split into different departments. The Elmendorf Airfield became Elmendorf Air Force Base which is still standing today. Alaska Defense Command has changed over the years but is still active through joint (Army/Air Force) bases there maintain readiness for defense and emergency relief here and across the world. Today, Alaska Defense Command is known as USARAK (United States Army Alaska) or “America’s Arctic Warriors”. Their insignia is appropriate to their unit as it depicts a snarling polar bear representing Ursa Major (Great Bear) which is guardian of the North Star (hence US Army the guardian of the Northern territories). The North Star is also situated over the bear’s head signifying the land-Alaska. Not many people think about Army service members in the “Final Frontier”, but they have always been there guarding the back door to America’s liberty allowing her children to sleep safely at night.
First Armored Division
The First Armored Division began at Fort Knox July 15, 1940 becoming America’s first armored division in the US Army. After its formation, it was decided that this new division needed a name, thus it was dubbed “Old Ironsides” after the oldest ship in the US Navy’s Fleet -the USS Constitution. Its first combat experience was in the North African campaign. It continued to battle in Italy breaking the enemy’s resistance and bringing that campaign to a swift end. After the war ended in May of 1945, “Old Ironsides” remained in Germany for occupational duty before being returned to the states in 1946 and deactivated until the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. Interestingly, the First Armored Division was not only the first armored division of the US Army, first armored to see combat, but also the first US Army division to integrate African American soldiers entirely into their services breaking racial barriers. The First Division mobilized again during the Cuban Missile Crisis, sent units to Vietnam, and supported US military action in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Task Force Eagle, Kosova, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. They keep a constant iron shield around America ensuring her freedom for generations to come. The First Armored Division’s insignia consists of a triangle with three colored sections (red, yellow, and blue) which represent the Armor, Infantry, and Artillery of the Division. The tank and cannon are representative of the early mechanized division. The tracks signify mobility, the armor protection, and the gun, firepower while the lightning bolt signifies speed and shock action. The one is of course referring to the division as being number one or the first armored of the US Army.
Air Transport Command
In 1941, the American Army Air Force and representatives from airlines developed an air transport system to begin giving Great Britain support during their growing war with Germany. This system would take supplies from American and Canadian factories to ports to be shipped to Great Britain. However, after America’s entry into World War Two, Air Transport Command became increasingly more important to our cause. America was vastly unprepared for a full-scale war on all-fronts, thus she needed a quick and efficient means of transporting supplies, troops, equipment, and more to and from combat areas. The airline manufactures answered the call and supplied the ATC with thousands of aircraft suited for cargo transport. ATC used at least four main cargo planes throughout the war which were C-47s (DC-3), C-46s, C-87s (B-24), and C-54s (DC-4). This unique military unit would distinguish itself honorably throughout the war serving in every theater-Pacific, European, Mediterranean, China/Burma/India, Middle Eastern, and even North African. It quite probable that without the ATC, America and her Allies would not have ended the war quite so quickly. The ATC’s insignia is a leather patch with a latitude and longitude globe in the background against a gray sky. In the foreground, an aircraft is seen stretching from east to west signifying the ATC’s many destinations. Also, in the top, left-hand side, the morse code dots and dashes spell out Air Transport Command or ATC. Today, ATC has changed to the Military Air Transport Service which continues make sure America’s forces are prepared and supplied for any and every conflict which arises.
WWI US Army Uniform
WWI of "The War to End all Wars" lasted a long four years for the kingdoms of Europe (1914-1918) After the sinking of the RMS Lusitania and the discovery of the Zimmerman Telegram, the United States entered the war in 1917. Roughly 1116,516 Americans lost their lives in WWI, giving their all for the preservation of the freedom of their nation and the world. This is an authentic Great War uniform. Notice the decorations on the sleeve. The pastch is that of the First Army Group, which first came into being in the First world War. It has the reputation of being America's first, oldest, and longest serving field Army group in the U.S. military. Underneath the First Army Group patch a pair of what looks like mosquito wings is sewn into place. This is the Doughboy's rank which is that of a Private. On his chest he bears the WWI Victory Medal, awarded to those of different countires who fought between the dates of April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918. The medal has Lady Victory gracing the front with an inscription on the back which reads, "The great war for civilization." There is also a clasp on the ribbon indicating the overseas campaign in which the soldier served, in this case it was France.
Gold Maple Leaf Insignia
Majors are field officers in the military and are charged with leading some 300-1,200 men. They can also serve in specialized units such as in military headquarters, Service Support, and Special Operations. Usually, officers must attend Command and General Staff School before beginning their careers, however, on rare occasions officers can raise themselves through the ranks during combat. Major Richard Winters of the 101st Airborne is a prime example.
188th Air Wing
In 1953, Fort Smith, Arkansas was officially recognized as the base for “Rick’s Rippers”-184th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron the United States Air Force. Starting small-only 19 officers and 94 enlisted men- the new air wing grew into the effective USAF unit it is today. This Air Wing has had the honor of flying B-26 bombers, F-80s, F-84s, F-101s, F-100s, F-4Cs, F-16s, and even A-10s. With the end of their reconnaissance missions in 1972 after the acquiring of F-4C Phantoms, the Wing decided it needed a new name thus they adopted the “Flying Razorbacks” in 1976 which they are to this day. They have flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and are continued participants in the War on Terror. Today, the 188th Air Wing no longer flies fighter aircraft, but are instead the home base for the MQ-9 Reaper which conducts sorties in the Middle East. The 188th, while not as well-known as other Air Force Wings, is an incredibly important asset to its native Arkansas as this Wing is the first on the ground whenever disaster strikes in its state. Providing emergency services during natural disasters or other threats, the “Flying Razorbacks” will forever be heroes to the Arkansans which they serve.
1st Marine Division
Activated in 1941, the First Marine Division is the most decorated division of the United States Marine Corps. Its first major offensive was the Battle of Guadalcanal in August of 1942. They also participated in the battles in the Solomon Islands as well as Peleliu, and Okinawa receiving the Presidential Unit Citation for three of these campaigns. One of the First Marine Division’s Members-Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone-received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic action at Guadalcanal. After the war, the First Marines were transferred to China to help in war clean-up and occupational duty. For a few years they had a rest, until the Korean conflict of which they are especially noted for the Battle of Chosin Reservoir where they sustained heavy casualties. The 1st Division did not slow down, but continued to serve during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, as well as Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom II, and the continued fight against the War on Terrorism. The First has been on the frontlines since 1942 standing on the wall preserving America’s freedom for years to come. The First’s unique insignia represents their Division. In fact, it was the first insignia/patch approved during World War 2. Diamond shaped, the patch is red/white/blue signifying America; the stars signify the Southern Cross (Pacific where they served); the number ones stands for their Division; and Guadalcanal is the first conflict in which they served.
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