Patch, Military

Object number2017.15.8 a,b

Date1955-1964

MediumFabric

Credit LineGift of Carmen Vacca

DescriptionPair of identical patches. Each is five-sided with slightly arched top edge and pointed bottom. Army green background fabric with same color embroidered perimeter. Top of patch has two gold embroidered arched bands. Center has gold embroidered eagle that is same style as that on the Great Seal of the United States.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a): 3.375 × 2 × 0.125 in. (8.6 × 5.1 × 0.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 3.438 × 2 × 0.125 in. (8.7 × 5.1 × 0.3 cm)
Historical NotesThis pair of Specialist E-6 military patches belonged to Carmen Vacca. Carmen Vacca was an Italian immigrant who served as a Seargent 1st Class in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1949-1953 and from 1955-1964, and a Corporal in the Korean War from 1953-1954. In Korea, he was in charge of the communications for the 58th Ordinance Company and used his skills as an electrician to provide power to the ammoniums camp and neighboring village. During his service, he spent time in Sihung, Korea. Just before he was drafted into the Korean War, Vacca and his family’s American citizenship was questioned, and the U.S. proceeded against the family to try to deport them; their deposition was the day before he shipped out. Vacca’s Reserve unit relocated to West Virginia and he retired from his military service; if he would have stayed, he would have shipped to Vietnam in the late 1960s with his unit.

Previous owner Carmen Vacca

Related institution United States Army

Related institution United States Army Reserve

Related institution 58th Ordinance Company

Subjects