Posted: 12/23/2002 4:58:36 PM EDT
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I've got a question about the 82nd. Where did the patch for the 82nd come from? What does it mean? Thanks! |
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The legend that they feed you in Division, goes something like: When the unit was first assembled, the commander, while meeting the troops, inquired about the troopers' home towns. When he realized that there were soldiers from every State, the decision was made to call them the "All Americans." Let me take a look around to see how well my memory serves me. I'll get back to you. |
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"The 82nd Infantry Division was formed August 25, 1917, at Camp Gordon, Georgia. Since members of the Division came from all 48 states, the unit was given the nickname "All-Americans," hence its famed "AA" shoulder patch." [url]http://www.bragg.army.mil/www-82DV/History.htm[/url] |
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Quoted: Becouse people from all over the USA volunteered for this new airborn corps during WWII...... Edit to add an E for excellence in airborne... Not quite, the 82nd was formed during WWI as the 82nd infantry. The Patch, which does stand for All Americans, was created during that war because of there being people from all states. They however weren't all volunteers then, mostly conscripts. One draftee of note, of course was Sgt. Alvin York, who won the CMH during WWI Brief Bio: Born Alvin Cullium York, December 13, 1887, in Pall Mall, Tennessee. His life was turned around by a woman, Gracie Williams, who convinced him to give up his worldly ways and go to church. Formed long held and firm religious beliefs as a result. Drafted in 1917. Impressed the regular army officers with his ability to use a gun. Shot accurately at ranges of 200, 300 and 500 yards. Struggled with the moral issue of killing human beings, and refused to shoot at human silhouettes (targets). At the battle of the Argonne Forest in the fall of 1918, as a member of the 82nd division, he killed 25 Germans, knocked out 35 machine guns, and captured 132 prisoners almost single-handed. Recieved the French Medaille Militaire and Croix de Guerre, the Italian Groce de Guerra and the American Medal of Honor. Came home to the adulation of the American people, married Gracie Williams, and died in Nashville, Tenn. on September 2, 1964 after having a cerebral hemorrage in the late thirties/early Forties, the 82nd was an expirimental motorized devision, and was then made Airborne During WWII. That is when the Tab was added. |