Morale patch

A morale patch is a military ornamental insignia that include amusing pictures and facial expressions intended to foster esprit de corps among military soldiers and can be used as identification with a specific unit, such as a division or brigade.

During World War I, the U.S. Army's 81st Division Wildcats produced the nation's first morale patch. Army officers were told that a patch to recognize a division should be made. The patches gained popularity in the 1920s and became distinctive and personalized.

The popular "morale patch" name was copyrighted by patch vendor Morale Patch Armory in 2017, a move that infuriated both customers and retailers. Even after Facebook banned a group with the name "morale patch" for trademark infringement, the Iowa-based business claimed to have received death threats. 

In 2022, the trademark was cancelled by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

 References 

Category:United States Army