Rare WWI US Air Services 185th Aero Squadron Shoulder Patch. The 'Bat in the Moon'

ARTIFACT: Rare WWI United States Air Services 185th Aero Squadron shoulder patch. This example is also known as the "Bat in the Moon" and was worn by enlisted men (and possibly some officers) on their tunic. Known as the "Bats", the 185th adopted a smiling black bat against a full yellow moon for their insignia. The 185th were the only US night pursuit squadron to participate in WWI, 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.

VINTAGE: Circa WWI

SIZE: Approximately 1-7/8" x 1-3/4"

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Multi-piece felt construction with red thread embellishments, paper backing

ATTACHMENT: N/A

MARKINGS: N/A

ITEM NOTES: This is from a US Air Service collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. TRVAAJJX TREBJX16 LAAGEX5/16

CONDITION: 7 (Very Fine): The patch shows moderate to heavy wear and soiling, a few moth nips that do not detract, great been there look!