Advanced Search

Learn About The Holocaust

Special Collections

My Saved Research

Login

Register

Help

Skip to main content

US Army 84th Infantry Division shoulder sleeve patch with an axe splitting a rail

Object | Accession Number: 2004.749.13

Search this record's additional resources, such as finding aids, documents, or transcripts.

No results match this search term.
Check spelling and try again.

results are loading

0 results found for “keyward

    US Army 84th Infantry Division shoulder sleeve patch with an axe splitting a rail
    Loading

    Please select from the following options:

    Overview

    Brief Narrative
    Shoulder sleeve insignia, 84th Infantry Division, United States Army, known as the Railsplitters, of the type used during World War II. The circular red patch depicts a white hatchet splitting a railroad tie. The Unit was activated in 1917 during World War I and drew troops from Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky; all states important in the life of Abraham Lincoln. They were nicknamed the Lincoln Division in his honor, and later the Railsplitters. The 84th Infantry fought in France, Holland, Belgium, and was in central Germany in May 1945. The Division liberated two subcamps of Neuengamme concentration camp, Hannover-Ahlem on April 10, 1945, and Salzwedel on April 14. Both camps contained many starving and ill prisoners. At Salzwedel, the Division directed the mayor of the nearby town to provide food for the liberated inmates. The 84th Infantry stayed in the region until Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945, becoming part of the Army of Occupation until its return to the United States and inactivation in January 1946.
    Date
    unavailable: 
    Credit Line
    United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection

    Physical Details

    Classification
    Military Insignia
    Category
    Badges
    Physical Description
    Circular, machine embroidered military patch on white net backing with a red field and an embroidered olive green border. In the center, a white axe descends from the upper right to split a white, horizontal wooden rail. The badge shows no obvious signs of use.
    Dimensions
    overall: | Diameter: 2.625 inches (6.668 cm)
    Materials
    overall : thread, net

    Rights & Restrictions

    Conditions on Access
    No restrictions on access
    Conditions on Use
    No restrictions on use

    Keywords & Subjects

    Administrative Notes

    Provenance
    The badge was acquired by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2004.
    Record last modified:
    2024-11-07 14:22:55
    This page:
    http:​/​/collections.ushmm.org​/search​/catalog​/irn35155

    Download & Licensing

    In-Person Research

    Contact Us