Original 11th Air Assault Division (Test) Patch w/ Tab | 1960s
Description
The testing ground for helicopter warfare.
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Unit History: The storied 11th Airborne "Angels" were reactivated in 1963 as the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) at Fort Benning. Their sole mission was to develop helicopter-borne infantry tactics. Proving the concept a massive success, the division was inactivated in 1965, and its men and machines immediately formed the core of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) deploying to Vietnam.
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The Rare Tab: During this brief experimental phase, the standard "Airborne" tab was swapped for this highly specific and rare "AIR ASSAULT" arc.
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Design: A blue shield featuring angel wings (a nod to their WWII nickname) and a white '11' inside a red circle.
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Construction & Condition: Both the main shield and the tab are fully machine-embroidered with un-merrowed "Cut Edges." The reverse shows the classic white bobbin thread typical of early 1960s manufacturing. The set is in excellent, unissued condition with bright colors.
Technical Specs:
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Item: Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) + Tab
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Unit: 11th Air Assault Division (Test)
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Era: Pre-Vietnam War (1963-1965)
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Construction: Fully Embroidered, Cut Edge
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Condition: Mint, Unissued
