Master Patch Guide

Master Patch Guide provides over 4,300 records with the SSI depicted for the unit’s appropriate designation period.

Master Patch Guide provides 31 data fields with the ability to edit information, add information, add new SSI, or replace an image to show a specific SSI in the user’s collection or inventory.

Master Patch Guide is an excellent program for identifying SSI and provides the user with fields for inventorying their collection (or what is available for sale or trade).

More on Master Patch Guide!

The development of Master Patch Guide has undertaken extensive research to include all known “authorized” shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) of the U. S. Army, Reserves and National Guard – including the Army Air Corps/ Army Air Force - from the inception of the wearing of SSI in World War I. The first SSI was approved by the General Headquarters of the American Expeditionary Forces (General John J. Pershing’s headquarters) on October 19, 1918 when the SSI of the 81st Division bearing a Wildcat was approved. Subsequently an order was issued by General Pershing that all division and larger size units in the A. E. F. should adopt SSI to boost esprit de corps, morale and for the identification of American forces.

Since WWI the wearing of SSI has been continued by elements of the U. S. Army. The official approval of SSI has been undertaken by the authorization of the HQ. A. E. F.; the War Department General Staff, the Adjutant General; the Quartermaster General; and since 1960, The U. S. Army Institute of Heraldry (TIOH). Master Patch Guide depicts representations of these authorized SSI. However, it is recognized that numerous “unauthorized” SSI have been worn by order of local commands. Such SSI, as for example, the insignia of Merrill’s Marauders, Katchin Rangers, variations of the First Army and 89th Division with color inserts, etc., were apparently approved by local command, usually for local wear only. Today only officially authorized SSI are permitted to be worn as shoulder sleeve insignia. Master Patch Guide depicts these authorized SSI with images of actual insignia, colored sketch or the color print of the approved SSI from TIOH records.