Extremely Rare WWII US Army OSS Free Thai Shoulder Patch

This is an extremely rare World War II United States Army OSS (Office of Strategic Services) Free Thai shoulder patch. The Free Thai movement was spearheaded by the Thai Minister in the United States shortly after a conquered Thailand promised Japan to fight with them against the Allies. Forty sympathetic Thai students already in the US trained with the OSS and ultimately were deployed to China in 194This patch has only been documented as being worn in formal photos Ð which makes sense regarding the delicacy and complexity of the Free Thai mission: to "infiltrate occupied Thailand". The patch is the Thai flag turned ninety degrees with the words FREE THAI embroidered above in golden thread. Thanks to Les Hughes for verifying the issuing and wear of this patch during World War II, and for the info about the unit and its mission. We have a link to Les' web site on our links page Ð please visit it for more information.

Circa World War II.

Approximately 2-7/8" in height and 3-1/16" in width.

Wool felt embroidered in cotton/silk threads, mesh backing underlayer.

None.

None.

This is from a United States Army collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VBEJX12 LBBEJX4/12 SBJGEX4/11

8 (Excellent-): The patch shows very little wear.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.