Figure 5 is the 3^rd Armored Division's 1966 Distinguished GSR patch. This patch also came in a qualified version, without the scroll.

The symbol in the center of the patch (crescent shape with lightning bolt, on top of a house-like structure) is the map symbol for a GSR.

            Figure 6 is the 1967 Qualified TCQC patch. There is also a distinguished version that has a scroll on the patch, "Distinguished Tank Crew."

            Figure 7 is the 1968 Distinguished Infantry Squad patch. The vehicle is an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier ("APC"). This patch also came in a qualified version, without the "Distinguished" scroll.

            Figure 8 is the 1969 Distinguished CEV Crew patch. It does not appear that the 3^rd AD issued a "Qualified" version of this patch.

            Figure 9 is the 1970 Qualified Scout Crew Qualification Course patch. It also came in a distinguished version, with a scroll on the patch that read: "Distinguished Scout Crew."⁵

            Figure 10 shows four odd tabs that were issued by the 2^nd Bn, 3^rd Artillery, evidently sometime between September 1963 and September 1971, when this unit was redesignated as the 2^nd Bn, 3^rd Field Artillery.

It is unclear where on the uniform these tabs were worn. "FO" stands for "Forward Observer" and "FDC" stands for "Fire Direction Center."

            Figure 11 is the 1972 Air Defense Artillery patch, which depicts cross-hairs on a Soviet aircraft. The tabs are: (1) "Redeye," a shoulder-fired heat-seeking missile; (2) "Vulcan," a self-propelled six-barreled 20mm gatling gun mounted on a modified M113 APC; and (3) "Chaparral," a self-propelled missile system using the Air Force"s "Sidewinder" heat-seeking missile, mounted on a modified M548 tracked cargo carrier (which was based on the M113 APC).

The "Best In USAREUR" tab was awarded to Battery D, 3^rd Bn, 61^st ADA in 1972. The 3^rd AD also issued a "Distinguished" tab that went above this patch, the same tab shown in Figure 15 (below).

            Figure 12 is another patch issued to qualified Redeye personnel in the 3^rd AD. I do not know when this patch was worn, but it was presumably no later than 1971, when the Division transitioned to subdued patches. There is also a subdued version of this patch.

            Figure 13 is a 1973 Distinguished Mortar Crew patch with additional embroidery identifying the patch as awarded to the Top 4.2 inch Mortar Platoon in 3^rd AD. Each of the Division's 11 maneuver battalions had a mortar platoon equipped with M106A1 self-propelled 4.2" mortars. The M106A1 was a modified M113A1 APC.

             Figure 14 is the 1973 patch issued to communications platoons. Other such patches were: Communications Platoon, 1975; Communications Platoon, 1976; Medical Platoon, 1973; Medical Platoon, 1974; and "Army's Finest" Transportation Unit, 1975 (issued to the 503^rd Supply & Transportation Bn).

            Figure 15 is the 1975 Qualified Anti–Tank Weapon patch, which shows a hand crushing a Soviet–made tank. The tabs are: (1) "Distinguished"; (2) "Dragon," a medium–range anti–tank missile; (3) "106 RR," a 106mm Recoilless Rifle; and (4) "TOW," a long–range anti–tank missile that replaced the 106mm Recoilless Rifle in the early 1970s. I am fairly certain the "106 RR" tab was no longer in use in 1975.

            Figure 16 is the 1977 M551 Crew patch, with a "Distinguished" tab below the patch and a 1977 "Qualified Cav Plt" (qualified cavalry platoon) scroll above the patch. The tab and scroll were sewn onto the patch, and then the entire contraption was sewn onto the soldier's uniform. This patch is heavily faded.

            Figure 17 is the 1979 Qualified TCQC patch. This patch has the date on a separate, rectangular piece of twill cloth that was sewn onto the patch. The 3^rd AD issued a "Distinguished" tab that went below this patch, the same tab shown in Figure 16. This patch came off a uniform and is heavily faded.

            Figure 18 is a 1982 Qualified Scout Squad patch.⁶ Unlike other 1982 patches, the year is embroidered directly on this patch. In addition, the numbers are larger than the ones typically used by the 3^rd AD.

            Figure 19 is the 1982 Howitzer Section patch with a "Distinguished" tab sewn onto the top of the patch, and with "1982" on a separate rectangle of twill cloth that was sewn onto the patch.

            The 3^rd AD"s 1966 yearbook features a full–page color photograph of the commanding general wearing a 1962 Distinguished TCQC patch. See Figure 20. These patches were unofficial, but they were clearly embraced by the chain of command.

            Very few 3^rd Armored Division units issued their own patches during the period when Division Headquarters was issuing patches. The only one I am aware of is the 1^st Bn, 33^rd Armor, which issued patches for its Redeye Platoon in 1973, and its Mortar Platoon in 1973 and 1974. See Figure 21. The 1–33 Armor also issued a "Distinguished Medic Support" patch that did not state the year it was issued.

            Some 3^rd Armored Division units continued to wear qualification patches after they fell out of favor in the early 1980s. The 4^th Bn, 67^th Armor wore the patch in Figure 22 while equipped with IPM1 "Abrams" tanks. The IPM1 was an improved version of the basic M1 which served in limited numbers prior to the fielding of the M1A1 Abrams. The 4–67 Armor received IPM1s in 1986 and replaced them with M1A1s in 1988. There was presumably a tab issued with this patch that stated the year and level of qualification. There is another version of this patch that has the date "July 86" embroidered on the patch.

            Similarly, the patch in Figure 23 was issued by the 4^th Sqdn,7^th Cavalry, in 1990 and 1991.

"M3" refers to the M3 "Bradley" Cavalry Fighting Vehicle, the squadron's principal combat vehicle. This patch was also issued with "Air Gunnery" and "Combat Support" replacing "M3 Gunnery." These patches were issued with tabs that stated "Qualified," "Superior" or "Distinguished," and the year.

14^th Armored Cavalry Regiment

The 14^th Armored Cavalry Regiment was apparently the next unit to adopt qualification patches. The 14^th ACR wore tank gunnery patches in at least 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1967 that consisted of the standard regimental pocket patch with, e.g., "TCQC '65" embroidered on the blue bend in either yellow, or decidedly nontactical metallic silver thread. See Figure 24.

There was also a "Distinguished Tank Crew" tab that went above this patch and was worn at least in 1967. See William K. Emerson, "Tid – Bits," THE TRADING POST, page 4 (Jul–Sep 2020).

            The 14^th Cav later issued a distinctive red and white triangular TCQC patch that was worn in the late 1960s. See Figure 25.

A "Distinguished" tab was worn under this patch by crews that qualified at that level.

            Finally, in 1972 at least two of the 14^th ACR's squadrons issued a series of subdued patches for scouts, M551 crews, mortar squads, and possibly others. See, e.g., Figure 26.

The 14^th Cav was reflagged as the 11^th Armored Cavalry Regt in May 1972.

8^th Infantry Division(Mech)

            The 8^th Infantry Division(Mech) was another early–adopter of qualification patches and apparently began wearing them in 1964. The 8^th ID used the same approach as the 3^rd AD, issuing patches to qualified tank crews with just the year and Armor branch insignia, and to distinguished crews with a scroll added to the patch that stated, "Distinguished Tank Crew." Unlike the 3^rd Armored Division, however, the 8^th Infantry Division(Mech) apparently only issued gunnery patches to tank crews, and used the same basic shape and colors for its TCQC patches from 1964 through 1969. See Figures 27 & 28.

In 1970, the 8^th ID switched to subdued patches and wore them through 1977 which was apparently the last year the Division issued qualification patches. See Figures 29 & 30.

            There were a few 8^th ID battalions that issued their own patches. For example, the 3^rd Sqdn, 8^th Cavalry issued a qualification patch in 1969 with tabs for Scouts, "MISPIC" ("Mechanized Infantry Squad Proficiency Course"),⁷ and the Squadron's Support Platoon (a logistics unit equipped with cargo and fuel trucks). See Figure 31.

            The 1^st Bn(Mech), 13^th Infantry issued "Qualified" and "Distinguished" scout squad patches⁸ and "Distinguished" mortar crew patches in 1973. See, e.g., Figure 32.

They presumably also awarded "Qualified" mortar crew patches. The 12^th Engineer Bn issued patches to its M728 CEV crews in 1975. See Figure 33.

This patch was probably also issued with a "Distinguished" tab, and may have also been worn other years with tabs for those years.

            The 1^st Bn, 68^th Armor issued its own patches to its tank crews, in "Qualified," "Superior," and "Distinguished" versions. See, e.g., Figure 34.

The 1–68 Armor issued similar patches to its mortar squads and Redeye teams. These patches were apparently worn in the 1970s. It is unclear if any tabs were worn with these patches.

            The 4^th Bn, 69^th Armor issued its own patches, apparently from 1975 to 1987. From 1975 to 1983 these patches were issued with "Qualified," "Distinguished," and "Support" tabs. See, e.g., Figure 35.

In addition, the 4–69 Armor issued "Top Tank Crew" and "Bn Maint" (Battalion Maintenance) tabs in 1977 and, possibly, other years. From 1985 to 1987 it appears that, at a minimum, the unit issued "Qualified" and "Superior" tabs.

24^th Infantry Division(Mech)

            The 24^th Infantry Division(Mech) was stationed in Germany until the first half of 1968, when most of the Division relocated to Fort Riley, Kansas.⁹ It appears that the only gunnery patch worn by the 24^th ID prior to its departure from Germany was a unique patch that was apparently issued to the tank battalion that achieved the highest gunnery score in 1966 (presumably within the 24^th ID, which had four tank battalions, although the patch may have been awarded to the battalion that achieved the highest score in USAREUR). See Figure 36.

This patch incorporated elements of the distinctive insignia of the 70^th Armor. At that time the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Battalions of the 70^th Armor were assigned to the 24^th Inf Div(Mech). It is unknown which of these battalions wore this patch.

24^th Infantry Division(Mech)(Forward)

            The 24^th Infantry Division(Mech) was reflagged as the 1^st Infantry Division(Mech) in April 1970, and 24^th Infantry Division(Mech)(Forward) was reflagged as the 1^st Infantry Division(Mech)(Forward) at that time. During the short period when 24^th ID(M)(Fwd) was active (early 1968 through April 1970), it appears there were only three gunnery patches worn in the unit: (1) a 1969 TCQC patch, see Figure 37; (2) the same patch, but in red and white rather than green and yellow; and (3) a subdued version of this patch, issued in 1970.

These patches were presumably issued by the 3^rd Bn, 70^th Armor, and may have been issued in a "Distinguished" version. The two versions of the 1969 TCQC patch are a bit of a mystery. It is possible that the green and yellow patch was worn by 3–70 Armor while the red and white patch was worn by Troop C, 2^nd Sqdn, 9^th Cavalry, which was the 24^th Infantry Divison(Mech)(Fwd)'s cavalry troop. (Red and white are the colors of the cavalry; green and gold are the colors of Armor Branch, and the colors of the 70^th Armor's distinctive insignia.)

4^th Armored Division

            The 4^th Armored Division did not issue any division–level patches until 1969, when it adopted a striking full–color TCQC patch with separate "Distinguished Crew" and "Support" tabs. See Figure 38.

This patch was also issued in 1970 and 1971.

            Quite a few of the 4^th AD"s tank battalions issued their own qualification patches. For example, Figure 39 was worn by 3^rd Bn, 35^th Armor in 1968.

"TCPC" stood for "Tank Crew Proficiency Course," which was just another name for TCQC. Grafenwoehr was one of the major training areas used by USAREUR and had extensive tank ranges. The tank on this patch is an M60A1 Main Battle Tank.¹⁰

            Figure 40 was worn by tank crews of the 4^th Bn, 35^th Armor that achieved a qualified rating in 1969.

Figure 41 was awarded to crews in the 4^th Bn, 35^th Armor's Scout Platoon for qualifying on the 1969 SSPC, which stood for "Scout Squad [or Section¹¹] Proficiency Course." The vehicle is an M114A1 Command/Reconnaissance Vehicle.

            Figure 42 was issued by 2^nd Bn, 37^th Armor to soldiers in its scout platoon in 1969. The green creature in the middle of the patch is a wyvern, a Welsh dragon that is featured on the 37^th Armor's distinctive insignia.

            Figure 43 is one of the few qualification patches that was awarded by a mechanized infantry battalion.

This patch was issued by the 1^st Bn(Mech), 51^st Infantry in 1969 for squads that qualified on the Mechanized Infantry Squad Proficiency Course.

            The 4^th Armored Division was reflagged as the 1^st Armored Division in May 1971. The 4^th Bn, 35^th Armor wore its own qualification patch in Fiscal Year 1971 (which began on October 1, 1970) with six tabs. This patch probably came into use before the 4^th AD was reflagged as 1^st AD and probably continued to be worn after the reflagging. See Figure 44. There is an all-embroidered variation of this patch that has "1/13" in place of "4/35" and was apparently worn with a "1975" tab ebloe the patch and "Qualitfied [sic] Crew" tab over the patch. The 4^th Bn, 35th Armor was reflagged as the 1^st Bn, 13^th Armor in 1974 and served with the 1st Armored Division until 1988.

1^st Armored Division

            As noted above, the 4^th Armored Division was reflagged as the 1^st Armored Division in May 1971. In 1971, the 1^st AD issued a color patch that was similar to the 4^th Armored Division's 1969–71 TCQC patches. The 1^st Armored Division also issued a subdued "Training Award" patch with a series of tabs, including at least "TCQC 1971," "MISPC 1971," "Support 1971," and "Distinguished Crew" tabs. See Figure 45. This patch came off a uniform and is heavily faded.

            There are also a series of subdued tabs dated 1972 and 1973 that were reportedly worn by the 1^st AD. These tabs are U.S. made, all–embroidered, and have a thick "merrowed" edge. No TCQC patch has surfaced that matches these tabs. However, they are the same width as the standard 1^st Armored Division shoulder patch. In light of all this, these tabs may have been worn under the 1^st AD shoulder patch. See Figure 46.

            From 1972 through 1978, the 1^st Armored Division did not issue any divisional qualification patches, but some of the Division's units issued their own patches. For example, the 1^st Sqdn, 1^st Cavalry issued patches to their M551 Sheridan crews in 1977. "Green" indicated distinguished; there was also an "Amber" tab for qualified. See Figure 47.

This patch says "SCQC" (Scout Crew Qualification Course) because this unit was using Sheridans as scout vehicles, having phased out its M114 scout vehicles. The hawk on this patch is from the 1^st Cavalry's distinctive insignia. Figure 48 is a heavily–faded 1977 TCQC patch worn by the 1^st Bn, 13^th Armor.

            In 1978 and 1979 the 1^st Armored Division wore the same basic TCQC patch, which depicted a tank gunner's sight placed center–mass on a Soviet tank. The shape of this patch was a modification of the design used by the 3^rd AD and so many other units. In 1978, this patch was issued in two versions, "Amber" (qualified) and "Green" (distinguished). The following year the 1^st Armored Division changed to the more mainstream "Qualified" and "Distinguished" designations. Figure 49 shows a 1979 Qualified patch sewn over a 1978 Amber patch, so the wearer could show that he qualified two years in a row. The 1978 patch is a good deal more faded than the 1979 patch.

            From 1979 to 1983, the 1^st Armored Division issued two small triangular qualification patches and a series of tabs. The TCQC patch had a tank gunner's sight imposed on a Soviet tank, and the other patch had an M113 APC. See Figure 50 (showing some of the tabs worn).

It is unknown the level at which the "Top Gun" tab was awarded, e.g., company, battalion, division, etc. It is also unclear why the 1^st AD issued two different TCQC patches in 1979.

            Figure 51 is a tank gunnery patch issued by the 3^rd Bn, 34^th Armor, apparently in 1985 after most USAREUR units stopped wearing qualification patches. This patch was evidently inspired by the 1^st AD"s 1978 and 1979 TCQC patches.

3^rd Infantry Division(Mech)

            The 3^rd Infantry Division(Mech) apparently did not issue division–level patches until 1978. Prior to that, the Division's armor units issued their own TCQC patches at various times.

            For example, Figure 52 is the qualification patch awarded by the 3^rd Sqdn, 7^th Cavalry in 1968.

There was a small "Distinguished" tab that went under this patch. This patch was also issued in 1969 and 1970.

            Figure 53 is the TCQC patch awarded by the 4^th Bn, 64^th Armor in 1969, with separate "Distinguished" tab.

This patch was also issued in 1968. Interestingly, the 3^rd Bn, 64^th Armor issued a 1968 TCQC patch using the same design, and the 2^nd Bn, 64^th Armor issued a 1971 TCQC patch using this design, so this may have been a standard design used by the 3^rd ID"s tank battalions for a number of years.

            Figure 54 is a similar qualification patch issued by the 3^rd Bn, 64^th Armor in 1973, with separate "Support" tab. The same patch was worn in at least 1971.

            Figure 55 is the qualification patch issued by the 4^th Bn, 64^th Armor in 1973, with separate "Distinguished" tab.

This patch came off a uniform and is heavily faded. This is one of the few qualification patches that stated clearly what it signified: "Qualified In Tank Gunnery." This unit wore a color version of this patch in 1970; it is unknown if it issued gunnery patches during the intervening years.

            From 1978 until 1982 the 3^rd Infantry Division(Mech) issued two qualification patches –– a TCQC patch and a patch featuring an M113 APC –– along with a wide variety of tabs that went under those patches, including platoon–level tabs. See Figures 56 & 57 (showing some of the tabs worn). "Level II" apparently referred to qualification gunnery (vice sustainment gunnery).

            Commencing in 1982, the 3^rd ID adopted a new TCQC patch that replaced the Armor branch insignia with a stylized, frontal view of an M1 "Abrams" Tank. See Figure 58 (showing some of the tabs worn). The 3^rd ID was the first unit in USAREUR to be issued the M1 Main Battle Tank.

            Figure 59 is one of the rare qualification patches that was worn after the early 1980s.

This patch was apparently issued by the 2^nd Bn, 64^th Armor to the M3 "Bradley" Cavalry Fighting Vehicle crews in the Battalion's Scout Platoon ("BCQC" stood for "Bradley Crew Qualification Course"). There was also a "TCQC" patch for the tank crews. "Qualified," "Superior," "Distinguished," and "Verified" tabs exist for 1990, 1991, and 1992. I do not know what "Verified" signified.

2^nd Armored Cavalry Regiment

             Prior to 1975, it appears that the 2^nd Armored Cavalry Regiment only issued Regiment–wide qualification patches in one year, 1968. See Figure 60.

In addition, 1^st Squadron awarded qualified and distinguished M551 Sheridan crew patches in 1973.

            In 1975, however, the 2^nd ACR began issuing gunnery patches on a regular basis. Regimental headquarters issued "Qualified," "Distinguished," and "Support" patches from 1975 through 1979. These patches did not differentiate between scouts, tank crews, etc., and it is unclear which soldiers were eligible to wear them. See, e.g., Figure 61.

            From 1979 through 1983, the 2^nd Armored Cavalry Regiment used a different approach, awarding "Subaltern Shoot" patches in "Qualified," "Distinguished," and "Support" versions. See, e.g., Figure 62.

These were 2^nd ACR's basic gunnery qualification patches. It is unknown which vehicle and weapon system crews were eligible to wear these patches. "Subaltern" is not a term that the U.S. Army typically uses. In the British Army, a subaltern is a lieutenant. Accordingly, this may have been a platoon battle run patch, as platoons are authorized a lieutenant as the platoon leader.

            In addition, from 1979 through 1981 the 2^nd ACR issued a "Dueler's Challenge" patch. See Figure 63.

This patch signified that a squadron had passed its ARTEP (Army Training & Evaluation Program), an annual test of the unit's ability to perform its wartime missions. "Dueler" was the call sign of the regimental commander at that time, Colonel Robert E. Wagner. These patches were only issued in the one version – there were no qualified, distinguished, or support patches.

            The 2^nd ACR also issued a qualification patch for its howitzer batteries in 1981, 1982, and 1983. See, e.g., Figure 64.

Finally, the 2^nd Cav was one of the few units to issue an air cavalry qualification patch. See Figure 65. This patch may have only been issued in 1981.

            In addition, the 2^nd and 3^rd Squadrons issued their own patches some years. For example, Figure 66 is an M551 Sheridan patch that 3^rd Squadron issued in 1975.

("FY 1975" refers to Fiscal Year 1975. The U.S. Government"s fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30.) Figure 67 is a patch 3^rd Squadron issued in 1977 with a variety of tabs, including a platoon evaluation tab.

The Berlin Brigade

             The Berlin Brigade"s armor unit was Company F, 40^th Armor. This company wore one of the most striking TCQC patches seen in Germany. See Figure 68.

They also awarded a gunnery support patch. See Figure 69.

Both patches were later issued in a subdued version. There is little information on when these patches were worn. Photographs show that the color TCQC patch was being worn in 1970, without a tab indicating the year. There are subdued tabs for these patches that read, "TCQC 1978" and "TCQC 1979."

11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment

             As noted above, the 14^th Armored Cavalry Regiment was reflagged as the 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment in May 1972. Initially, the 11^th Cav basically continued the approach used by the 14^th ACR. Each of the 11^th ACR's three squadrons issued its own patches in 1972 and 1973, using the same basic design employed by the 14^th ACR. Patches were issued for scouts, M551 crews, M60A1 crews, infantry squads, and mortar crews, in "Qualified" and "Distinguished" versions. There were also gunnery support patches ("Maint [Maintenance] 100% Down Range"), and "Combat Ready" patches that were issued to the squadrons' howitzer batteries.¹² See, e.g., Figure 70.

             The 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment then adopted a new approach. It issued the same "Annual Qualification" patch from 1974 through at least 1983,¹³ along with an extensive array of tabs showing the year and weapon system. The high water mark was 1977, when the 11^th Cav issued twelve tabs: Scout Squad, Super Scout, M551 TCQC, M60A1 TCQC, Dragon, 4.2" Mortar, Redeye, 155 Artillery, Aerial Gunnery, CEV TCQC, GSR, and TCQC Support. The 11^th ACR also issued a "Distinguished" tab and, from 1977 through 1979, a platoon qualification tab. See Figures 71A & 71B.

1^st Infantry Division(Mech)(Forward)

             As noted above, when the 24^th Infantry Division(Mech)(–) relocated to Fort Riley in 1968 it left behind a brigade that was designated the 24^th Infantry Division(Mech)(Forward). The 24^th was reflagged as the 1^st Infantry Division(Mech) in April 1970 and, at that time, the 24^th Infantry Div(Mech)(Forward) became the 1^st Infantry Division(Mech)(Forward).

            This brigade apparently did not issue any qualification patches, but its subordinate tank battalions did. The 3^rd Bn, 63^rd Armor apparently began wearing TCQC patches in 1972 and continued through at least 1977.¹⁴ See, e.g., Figure 72.

The 4^th Bn, 73^rd Armor wore a square patch from 1973 through 1976, and there was a similar patch without a year that was probably worn after 1976, presumably with a tab that stated the year and level of qualification. See, e.g., Figure 73.

This patch came off a uniform and is heavily faded.

2^nd Armored Division(Forward)

            In 1975, the Army increased combat power in Europe by moving the 3^rd Brigade, 2^nd Armored Division from Fort Hood, Texas, to North Germany. This unit was then designated 2^nd Armored Division(Forward). The 2^nd AD(Fwd) was unusual in that it issued TCQC patches at the "Qualified," "Expert," and "Sharpshooter" levels – but apparently not "Distinguished." See, e.g., Figure 74.

In addition, one of the Brigade"s units, the 3^rd Bn, 66^th Armor, issued its own qualification patch at some point. See Figure 75.

4^th Brigade, 4^th Infantry Division(Mech)

            The Army temporarily boosted combat power in Germany by stationing the 4^th Brigade, 4^th Infantry Division(Mech) there from 1976 to 1984. This unit was informally known as "Brigade 76." Figure 76 is a TCQC patch that was apparently issued by 4^th Brigade.

The patch was probably worn with a tab that stated the year and "Qualified" or "Distinguished." This patch uses the abbreviation for brigade ("Bde") even though there was ample space to spell out the word.

3^rd Armored Cavalry Regiment

            The 3^rd Armored Cavalry Regiment was stationed in Germany from late 1961 until July 1968, when it moved to Fort Lewis, Washington. It does not appear that the 3^rd ACR wore any qualification patches during its service in USAREUR.

Other Units

            I am not aware of any other units (e.g., corps artillery, corps–level engineer units, theater–level air defense artillery units) in Germany that wore qualification patches.

Endnotes

1. The M728 was a modified M60A1 tank. It had a dozer blade; an A-frame crane on the turret; and a short-barreled, low-velocity 165mm "demolition gun" in place of the M60A1's high–velocity 105mm main gun.

2. The Sheridan was a light tank used by armored cavalry units. It entered service in the late 1960s and was largely phased out of service a decade later.

3. This is the only 3^rd AD platoon-level gunnery patch I am aware of. There is a generic subdued patch that says "Distinguished Platoon" and that was worn in the early 1980s. However, that patch was not a gunnery patch, and was not awarded based on an objective, graded program. Rather, any platoon could nominate itself for consideration and the patches were awarded based on a subjective evaluation of numerous factors. Source: HQ, 3^rd AD Memo, Subject: Division Awards to Distinguished Platoons (20 Apr 81).

4. However, I have a 3^rd AD Distinguished TCQC patch with "1978" embroidered directly on the patch.

5. At this time 3^rd AD scout crews used the M114A1 Command/Reconnaissance Vehicle.

6. A scout squad consisted of two scout vehicles, at this time an M113 APC and an M901 Improved TOW Vehicle (an M113 with an articulated double-barreled launcher for the TOW anti-tank missile).

7. The Acronym was actually "MISPC," but was pronounced "miss-pick," so that is probably how the tab ended up with "MISPIC." Logically, there should have also been at least TCQC and possibly mortar tabs, but none have surfaced to date.

8. The qualified patch is displayed in the Marque (patches at the top of this website's homepage).

9. Left behind in Germany was the 24^th Inf Div(Mech)(Forward), a brigade-sized element.

10. This patch was also issued in 1967, with different colors and "TCQC" in place of "TCPC." It is unknown if these patches were also issued in "Distinguished" versions.

11. A scout section consisted of two scout squads each with two vehicles, for a total of four vehicles in the section.

12. Some of these patches also exist for 1974.

13. I recently obtained an 11th ACR tab, "1984 M1 TCQC," and the tab is used, which suggests the 11th Cav continued to wear these patches in 1984. See Figure 71C.

14. The 1972 TCQC patch is shown in the Marque (patches at the top of this website's homepage), and the 1974 Qualified and Distinguished TCQC patches are illustrated in the Main Article (see Figures 3 & 4).

Tip: you can press back in your browser to move back where you were reading after clicking on a endnote in most browsers.