Army Patches

Here you can find a list of US Armies that saw action during World War Two. In total there are eleven armies. For every army we have added pictures of their insignia (some with variations) and some background information. We hope you find this helpful!


1st Army
The First Army is the oldest and longest-established field army of the United States Army. In World War Two the first army was best known for their actions in the ETO. One of the most notable commanders of the first army is Omar Bradley.


The First Army patch is a large A with an often white/red or green background.


Nickname: Doughboys
Motto: First in Deed

 

2nd Army
The Second Army, also known as the Army Expeditionary Forces (AEF) is mostly known for training troops during World War Two. During World War Two the Second army was responsible for the training of almost one million soldiers. These included 11 army corpses, 55 divisions and 2000 smaller units who were deployed in all theaters of operation.

The Second Army patch is a large red and white 2 with a green background.


Motto: Tout Préparé

 

3rd Army
The Third Army is mostly known for being active in the European Theater of Operations during World War Two. The third army played an significant role in the liberation of France and the Battle of the Bulge. The third army was also responsible for the occupation of most of Germany's territories after the war. One of the most notable commanders of the Third Army is George S. Patton. 

The Third Army patch is around insignia with a white A. Around the A is a red O with a blue background. The A-O stand for Army of Occupation.

Nickname: Patton's Own
Motto: Tertia Semper Prima

 

4th Army
The US Fourth Army was established before the war and remained in the continental United States during World War Two. They were responsible for the defense of the West Coast of the US and the training of army units for combat.

The Fourth Army patch is a red square/diamond shaped insignia with a white clover in the middle.

Motto: Leadership And Integrity

 

 

 

 

5th Army
The fifth US Army was the first field army to be activated outside of the United States and was active in the European and African Theaters. It was activated in 1943 in Morocco and responsible for the defense of Algeria and Morocco. They were responsible for the planning of the the invasion of Italy's mainland. The 5th Army played a big part in the liberation of Italy.

The Fifth Army patch is a six sided red shape with an African temple like blue shape in the middel. In the temple are the A for Army and a 5 for the 5th.

Motto: Strength of the Nation!

 

 

6th Army
The sixth US army was active in the Pacific Theater during World War Two. The sixth army fought in New-Guinee and was later relieved by the 8th army. After a quick break, the 6th army forces focused on the Philippines. From which they again got relieved by the 8th army to focus on Luzon. After the war the 6th army served as an occupational force in Japan.

The Sixth Army patch is a green circle with a white star in the middle, the star has red lines and a red A in the middle. Earlier in the war the patch was a six sided red hexagon with a white star in the middle.

Nickname: Alamo Force
Motto: Born of War

 

7th Army
The 7th Army was originally the first armored corps under General Patton. But after fighting in North-Africa it was made the 7th Army. The 7th Army commanded 24 different US divisions during World War Two and is best known for their role in the liberation of Italy, northern Europe and operation Undertone, crossing the Rhine River.

The Seventh Army patch had a blue pyramid shape with a yellow stair like A with 7 steps and a red triangle in the middle.

Motto: Pyramid of Power

 

8th Army
The 8th US army was active in the Pacific Theater during World War Two. The eight army fought in New-Guinee after relieving the 6th army forces. After that the 8th army forces focused on the Philippines. After the war the 8th army served as an occupational force in Japan.

The Eight Army patch is a red octagon shape with in the middle a white flower or blade like shape with 4 points.

Motto: Pacific Victors

 

 

9th Army
The 9th army was activated eight weeks before the landings on D-Day. The army was active in the European Theater of Operations. The army was part of the campaign in Northwest Europe in 1944 and 1945. The forces of the 9th army played a big part in the liberation of western Europe and the crossing of the Rhine river. On 2 May 1945, the Ninth Army's front reached the stopping point in Germany agreed with the Russians.

The Ninth Army patch is a red nonagon shape with in the middel a white shape with an A.

 

 

10th Army
The 10th army was active in the Pacific Theater of Operations. The 10th commanded divisions from both the US Army and the US Marine Corps. The army took a large role in the Battle of Okinawa. Okinawa turned out to be the only campaign they would take part in during World War Two. It was supposed to take part in the invasion of Japan but because of the atomic bombs, this turned out to be unnecessary.

The Tenth Army patch is a hourglass shaped X, a roman 10, in red lettering. 

 

15th Army
The 15th army was active in the European Theater of Operations. It was activated in August of 1944 and was responsible for rehabilitating, equipping and training units of the 12th Army Group that had suffered heavy losses during the Battle of the Bulge. The Fifteenth Army never entered really took part in battle like other armies did, but did see some action in the closing of the Ruhr pocket.

The Fifteenth Army is a pentagon shape with red and white parts and a big A in the middle.