Item description for CIRCA 1920’s – 1942, U.S. ARMY, 1st ARMY, SSI, D.E.M.L, PATCH, VINTAGE

CIRCA 1920’s–1942, US ARMY, 1st ARMY, SSI, D.E.M.L. PATCH, VINTAGE

Fully embroidered, cut edged.

This patch does not react to ultraviolet light glow.

DEML- Detached Enlisted Man's List. Covered troops assigned to jobs outside normal classification such as guards and recruiters.

This patch is often mistakenly called "Demolition.” We suspect somebody long ago saw the DEML and just dubbed it Demolition. That definition got into a popular patch reference book and it still persists today. Please take a close look in the June, 1943 National Geographic on the Branch and Arms Colors page.

The practice of color inserts in 1st Army patches dates back to WWI. There are almost an infinite amount of variations in the WWI versions. Standardized branch color panels in the top of the "A" came into official use in the late 1920's and lasted until 1942. Collectors can find both wool and standard embroidered versions of these patches. WWI versions will have inserts in the upper panel also in the lower panel and combinations of both. The WWI inserts are usually found in the lower panel between the legs.