WW2 Era US Army 20th Infantry Regiment Pin Back Distinctive Insignia (DI) This is an original World War II-era pin-back Distinctive Unit Insignia (DI) for the 20th Infantry Regiment, United States Army. Constructed of enameled brass and featuring a pin-back fastening, this badge bears the unit’s traditional insignia: a blue shield emblazoned with a wavy silver band and a red canton featuring a silver cross pattée, symbolic of the regiment’s Civil War service. Below the shield is the regimental motto, “Semper Fidelis”—Latin for “Always Faithful.” The reverse retains its original pin-back hardware and is unmarked, consistent with wartime construction. The heraldic symbolism on the insignia reflects the unit’s long lineage. The wavy silver band represents the river crossings in combat operations, while the red cross evokes the regiment’s gallantry during the Civil War. The blue shield denotes Infantry branch colors. History of the 20th Infantry Regiment in WW2 The 20th Infantry Regiment traces its origins to 1861 and saw action in numerous conflicts prior to World War II, but its role during the Second World War stands out as a critical chapter in its history. During WW2, the 20th Infantry was assigned to the 6th Infantry Division—“The Sight Seein’ Sixth”—which fought extensively in the Pacific Theater. After initial stateside training, the regiment deployed to the Pacific, first participating in the New Guinea campaign. The 6th Infantry Division landed at Milne Bay in early 1944 and was involved in securing the island and repelling Japanese resistance in the rugged terrain of the Driniumor River and Toem-Wakde-Sarmi area. These jungle engagements tested the endurance and combat skill of the 20th Infantry Regiment, which earned distinction for its tenacity and adaptability in the face of fierce Japanese resistance and challenging environmental conditions. Later in the war, the 20th Infantry Regiment was part of the invasion of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. Landing at Lingayen Gulf in January 1945, the 6th Division pushed inland through mountainous terrain to capture strategic objectives and clear entrenched Japanese forces. The 20th Infantry fought with distinction in the Battle of Munoz, a key battle in severing Japanese escape routes and liberating the central plains of Luzon. The regiment’s ability to conduct aggressive patrols, secure key bridges, and defend against repeated enemy counterattacks helped pave the way for the recapture of Manila and the eventual collapse of Japanese resistance in the region. The 20th Infantry Regiment’s campaign honors during WW2 include New Guinea, Luzon, and Ryukyus, and its soldiers earned multiple decorations for valor and service. The unit's service in the Pacific was marked by brutal combat, disease, and environmental hardship, yet the 20th maintained a high standard of discipline and combat effectiveness throughout the war. This pin-back DI is a fine original artifact from a regiment that played a vital role in securing Allied victory in the Pacific. An excellent addition for collectors of US insignia, WW2 Pacific Theater history, or regimental memorabilia. At VDG Militaria, we are dedicated to providing collectors with an exceptional selection of original military antiques. Our passion for history and commitment to authenticity ensure that every item we offer is thoroughly researched, accurately described, and meticulously photographed. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of militaria, our curated inventory includes a diverse range of artifacts from various periods and conflicts. From uniforms and insignia to medals and equipment, we aim to connect you with pieces that tell the stories of the past. Our expertise and attention to detail mean you can trust that every item you purchase is genuine and precisely represented. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to make your collecting experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Using the Offer Feature We are pleased to offer a "Make an Offer" feature on our website, allowing you to negotiate the price of items that catch your eye. Once you submit an offer, expect an email from us shortly after. If your offer is accepted, the email will include a special payment link for your convenience. Please check your spam folder if you have strict email filters. We promise to respond to all offers as quickly as possible. If you do not hear from us within one business day, feel free to reach out directly via phone or text at the contact information below to ensure your request is promptly addressed. Contact Us For the fastest response, we recommend reaching out via email or text. We typically reply to emails and text messages the quickest. 📧 Email: vdgmilitaria@yahoo.com
📱 Phone/Text: 651-968-3882 Thank you for visiting VDG Militaria. We wish you happy collecting and look forward to helping you find the perfect addition to your collection.