Rare WWI 185th Aero Squadron (aka 'Bats') Shoulder Insignia

This is a wonderful and rare World War I United States 185th Aero Squadron shoulder insignia as worn by enlisted men (and possibly some officers) on the shoulder of their tunic. This particular patch was removed from a pennant, where it had resided since WWI. Known as the "Bats", the 185th adopted a smiling black bat against a full yellow moon for their insignia. The Bats were the only US night pursuit squadron to participate in World War I, and they fought on the Western Front for a short time before the Armistice. They were successful in derailing an enemy bombing mission on October 23, 1918.

Circa World War I.

Approximately 1-3/4" in height and 1-7/8" in width.

Wool felt embroidered in cotton/silk thread, paper backing.

Pennant has tie tabs.

None.

This is from a World War I Aero Squadron shoulder insignia collection that we will be listing more of over the next few months. CON-JMB-VAJJJX14 LABEJX3/14 RET10/15

8- (Very Fine-Excellent): The patch has only light wear.

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