Vintage 1944 World War Two United States Army Service Forces Uniform Shoulder Insignia – European Theatre of Operations - Army Communications Zone, Advanced Sector

The European Theater of Operations, of the United States Army (ETOUSA) directed U.S. Army operations in Europe north of Italy and the Mediterranean coast from 1942 to 1945. The ETO was the area where continuous operations would take place and was divided into two chief areas - the combat zone (area of active fighting) and the Communications Zone (the rear part of theater of operations , behind but contiguous to the combat zone), which provides for the immediate support and maintenance of the field forces. In 1944, the Communications Zone, Advanced Sector was given the mission of providing support in the form of supplies, equipment, transportation and weapons for the invasion of Normandy. After the Normandy breakout the Advanced Sector provided support to the First and Third Armies from its Headquarters in Paris.

This is the official European Theater of Operations insignia showing twin lightning bolts snapping the chains of Nazi oppression. The lightening bolts form the letter "V", the "Victory" symbol common to both the British and United States forces. The ETO's Communications Zone, Advanced Sector superimposed the Army Service Force insignia - blue, five-pointed star upon white - designating the supply function of the organization.

This insignia was acquired here in Connecticut, a center of textile production during the Second World War. It appears to be machine-stitched twill with an olive drab (OD) border, and is an oval 3½ high x 2½" wide.

CONDITION: Insignia is in excellent condition, and whether or not it was actually worn has not been determined. However, it does not glow when examined under ultraviolet light, and appears to be made of World War II vintage all-natural fiber material. All significant flaws are visible in photos.

Item ID: 45-0430F