US Navy Shoulder Patch help?

[Brian R]

Can anyone help identify the shoulder patch in this picture? This portrait was taken in a London studio during the war - he is my grandfather's first cousin.

Thanks,

Brian

Edited July 20, 2008 by Brian R

[Hugh]

Can anyone help identify the shoulder patch in this picture? This portrait was taken in a London studio during the war - he is my grandfather's first cousin.

Thanks,

Brian

It's an amphibious patch. Such patches were seldom worn in the Navy, but I guess it's a carryover from the Army tradition. There must be sites which would help you identify the specific formation it represents. (but I don't know them) I'd Google US Army patches WW II.

Hugh

Hugh

[David S]

The patch itself is a variation on the British Combined Arms insignia

For the US Army Amphibious Engineers the background of the patch was blue

For the Navy the background is red, the patch itself is for Landing Craft personnel

Look here http://www.usslci.com/index.html

[Brian R]

Great information, guys. Thanks.

Based on his campaign ribbons and the fact that the studio shot is from London, he may have been some serious action landing troops on the European invasion beaches.

[David S]

There tend to be more pictures with Army variations, than Navy ones

This pic is a gem

[Brian R]

I got word from the family (I've contacted them on a side note; genaology research). It turns out this sailor was on an LCD as part of the 3rd Wave at Omaha Beach.

[David S]

Coooool

That gives him a battle star, most likely an invasion 'arrowhead' to go on his EAME

You sure on the LCD designation?

I don't find that type listed, the closest alphabetically is LSD (Landing Ship - Dock) which is a much

larger vessel than a LCI (Landing Craft - Infantry)

The third wave would have been no less ugly than the first two, in fact probably uglier due to the submerged

vehicles (jeeps to DD tanks), burning landing craft, and accurate fire . . .

[Brian R]

Dave - my fault. It was an LSD.

Coooool

That gives him a battle star, most likely an invasion 'arrowhead' to go on his EAME

You sure on the LCD designation?

I don't find that type listed, the closest alphabetically is LSD (Landing Ship - Dock) which is a much

larger vessel than a LCI (Landing Craft - Infantry)

The third wave would have been no less ugly than the first two, in fact probably uglier due to the submerged

vehicles (jeeps to DD tanks), burning landing craft, and accurate fire . . .