Service Bar Patch

Periodca. 1941-1945

MediumWool, cotton, buckram

Dimensions2 × 1.75 in. (5.1 × 4.4 cm)

ClassificationsCostume, Men's

Credit LineGift of Gail Cannon, 2017

Object number2017.8.22

DescriptionU. S. Army Overseas Service Bar patch. Olive green wool rectangle backed with loose woven and stiffened off-white buckram. Four narrow bars are machine embroidered in bright golden yellow cotton.
Curatorial RemarksThe U. S. Army Overseas Service bars originally began in World War I, when soldiers wore chevrons for each six-month period spent overseas. During World War II, narrow horizontal bars for each six months' service were worn as a patch on the right sleeve.NotesThis Overseas Service Bar patch belonged to George D. Fleming, who served in the 2006th Ordinance Maintenance Company in the United States Army Air Forces. Fleming trained at the Ordinance Training Center in Aberdeen, Maryland. Among the archival materials related to George Fleming are a series of snapshots taken while Fleming was stationed in England. Fleming served a total of two years overseas during World War II.

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