Round shaped coin, antique brass in color, 1 39/64 inches in diameter. Click to enlarge
Unit/Organization Information
  • 3rd Marine Logistical Group
  • 3rd Marine Division
  • 3rd Transportation Support Battalion
Location
Coin Location: Panel 3 X
Homebase: Camp foster, Okinawa, Japan
Additional Information
Date Acquired: Prior to 21 March 2008
Donated by: Unknown
Copies: 2 of 2
Related Coins

C003766

Location: Panel 3 X

Coin: Unit

Active » U.S. Marine Corps » Logistics - Transportation

Narrative

Round shaped coin, antique brass in color, 1 39/64 inches in diameter.

SIDE 1 -

SIDE 2 -

The 3rd Transportation Battalion is a "Red Patches" unit. The red patch is a distinguishing device worn by US Marine landing support specialists and is worn only on the Marine Corps combat Utility Uniform. The red patch dates back to the early dates of World War II during the battle of Guadalcanal. After the initial assault on the beachhead, follow-on troops came ashore and confusion on the beach led to landing support Marines and infantrymen getting mixed together with some shore party Marines going inland with infantry battalions and some infantrymen getting left behind on the beach. In order to avoid confusion from then on, a red patch was placed on the trousers and covers of the shore party Marines and that practice has continued since.