U.S. ARMY 442ND INFANTRY REGIMENT PATCH (SSI)

The 442nd Infantry Regiment Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was originally approved for the 442nd Infantry Combat Team on 16 December 1943; it replaced a controversial insignia of a yellow arm indicating nisei (second-generation Japanese-Americans) heritage holding up a bloody sword. This “replacement” insignia was cancelled on 6 May 1947, but was reinstated and approved for the 442nd Infantry Regiment on 16 January 1956. The symbolism is straightforward: Liberty is holding the torch of light representing guidance, freedom, and democracy, arrayed in the national colors of red, white, and blue.

Interestingly, the U.S. Army Center of Military History lists two designations (in two different citations) for the earliest incarnation of the 442nd Infantry Regiment: 442nd Infantry and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, with the latter sometimes being referred to as the 442nd Infantry Combat Team. But while there may be some discussion regarding official unit designations, there’s no debate when it comes to the Regiment’s performance in World War II.

Related Items
442nd Infantry Regiment Unit Crest (DUI)
442nd Infantry Regiment Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)

With a strength of some 4,500 nisei—second-generation Americans of Japanese ancestry—the 442nd Regiment became the most decorated unit in U.S. military history thanks to the bravery, courage, and dedication of the roughly 14,000 nisei Soldiers who eventually served in the Regiment. In less than two years of action, its troops garnered more than 18,000 decorations, including nearly 9,500 Purple Hearts and 5,200 Bronze Stars. Of the Army’s highest awards, the Regiment’s personnel received 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Crosses (19 of these were later upgraded to Medals of Honor), 560 Silver Stars, and a Distinguished Service Medal, bring true meaning to the Regimental motto of "Go For Broke."

Today, the unit’s only Battalion, the 100th (technically the 1st Battalion, but allowed to retain its number as a separate battalion because of its superb wartime record), is associated with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division through the Army’s Associated Units program. As the Army Reserve unit under the program, the unit wears the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia of the 25th Infantry Division instead of the Regiment.