The 1st Marine Division lapel pin is a miniature metal facsimile of the shoulder patch the unit wore during World War II. Although the use of unit patches on USMC dress uniforms was short-lived—the practice had been eliminated between the two World Wars and was permanently put to an end in April 1946—the design created for the 1st Marine Division’s shoulder patch has lived on as the unit’s official insignia and is a tribute to its actions in the Pacific Theater of Operations in the Second World War.
“GUADALCANAL” takes pride of place on the insignia, reflecting the fact that it was the first battle in which the unit fought. The five stars on the insignia form the Southern Cross, a constellation visible only in the Southern Hemisphere where the Division saw all its combat during the war. Other significant engagements the Division took part in include the Battle of Peleliu and Battle of Okinawa, earning it the first of nine Presidential Unit Citations.
Customers interested in this item may also wish to view our pages devoted to the 1st Marine Division
unit patch (AKA Shoulder Sleeve Insignia or Shoulder Patch, available in camo or full color) and the 1st Marine Division
Combat Service ID Badge (for wear on Army dress uniforms).