Formed during the First World War and later reactivated for service in the Second World War, the 97th Infantry Division – nicknamed Trident – was an elite unit of the United States Army. Initially trained for amphibious warfare operations in the Pacific Theatre, the division was ultimately deployed to Europe, participating in key campaigns across Germany and Czechoslovakia. The division’s distinctive shoulder patch – a white vertical trident set against a dark blue shield – symbolised its amphibious origins and the nickname it carried.
Key Features
Authentic US Army surplus.
Measures approximately 6cm x 5.5cm.
Shield shaped patch, with a dark blue background and white embroidered border.
Features a central white vertical trident, symbolic of the division's nickname.
Description
The 97th Infantry Division, known as the “Trident Division” due to its distinctive insignia, was activated during the latter days of the First World War, but did not see combat before the conflict ended. Reactivated once more during World War Two, the division was initially trained for amphibious operations in the Pacific Theatre. However, strategic needs led to its deployment to the European Theatre in early 1945. The division participated in key operations, including the capture of Dusseldorf, the liberation of Flossenbürg and Helmbrecht’s concentration camps and the advance into Czechoslovakia, where it was present at the war’s end.
This original embroidered patch, measuring approximately 6cm x 5.5cm, and features a white trident, vertically aligned, at the centre of a deep blue shield. Framed by a white border, the imagery reflects the unit’s strength, versatility and amphibious heritage. Worn proudly on the left shoulder of the uniform, this insignia marks its wearer out as a member of the elite division.
Perfect for reenactors and collectors alike, this is an item that is hard to pass by. Get yours now before they’re gone!
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