40th Infantry Division Patch Value Guide

The 40th Infantry Division patch, famously known as the 'Sunshine Division' insignia, is a cornerstone of WWII Pacific Theater militaria. This square blue emblem represents a unit with deep California roots that saw intense combat during the liberation of the Philippines and campaigns in Korea.

What Is 40th Infantry Division Patch Worth?

The typical price range for 40th Infantry Division Patch is $12 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence of 'Green Back' stitching, which can slightly increase the desirability among specialized collectors.
• Evidence of being 'theatre-made' or hand-embroidered, which can significantly raise the value above the $15 standard.
• Overall condition, specifically the absence of moth nips, fading to the yellow rays, or glue residue from old scrapbooks.
• Provenance linking the patch to a specific veteran's uniform or grouping from the Philippines campaign.

How to Identify 40th Infantry Division Patch?

• Look for the distinct twelve-rayed yellow sunburst centered on a square navy blue field.
• Examine the reverse for 'snow' or loose white bobbin threads characteristic of 1940s US manufacture.
• Verify the base material is a heavy cotton twill rather than modern synthetic blends.
• Check for a finished 'merrowed' edge; authentic WWII era examples typically feature a flat, embroidered edge rather than a thick overlock stitch.

History of 40th Infantry Division Patch

The 40th Infantry Division, known as the Sunshine Division, was organized in 1917. This specific sunburst design was adopted in 1918 to represent the division's origins in California and the sunny climate of the Western United States. The division saw significant action during World War II in the Pacific Theater, including campaigns in the Philippines and Korea.