US Army 99th Infantry Division shoulder sleeve patch with a blue and white checkerboard
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 2.125 inches (5.398 cm) | Width: 2.625 inches (6.668 cm)
Archival History
The badge was acquired by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2004.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection
Scope and Content
Shoulder sleeve insignia of the 99th Infantry Division, United States Army, known as the Checkerboard Division or Battle Babies. The black badge has a blue and white checkerboard band. The design is based on the chequy or checkerboard coat of arms of William Pitt, namesake of the city of Pittsburgh, Pa, the Unit’s headquarters when it was formed in 1942. The 99th was given the Battle Babies nickname by the press during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. The Division advanced into Bavaria, where troops liberated four concentration camps in the Mühldorf subcamp complex of Dachau on May 3rd and 4th, freeing 1500 prisoners, nearly half in need of immediate hospitalization. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945, and the Division became part of the Army of Occupation until their return to the United States and inactivation in October 1945.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Irregular shield shaped military patch machine embroidered on white net backing with a curved top edge with flat edged upper corner extensions, and straight sides which slope to a center point. It has a black field and a light green embroidered border. Across the center is a horizontal band of alternating blue and white squares arranged in three rows and six columns. It is frayed on the front.
Corporate Bodies
- United States. Army. Infantry Division, 99th
Subjects
- World War, 1939–1945--Insignia--United States.
- Armed Forces--Insignia--History--20th century.
Genre
- Object
- Military Insignia