WWI Regular, National Guard and National Army Collar Disks

Continuing my posts about WWI collar disks, I thought I’d do a post on the various US insignia. Although the National Guard and National Army had their own collar disks, I have seen examples of people from these organizations wearing just the Regular Army US insignia.

Photo 1 shows the US insignia for National Guard units in 1917 and how it was simplified in 1918. Seventeen divisions of guardsmen deployed to France to fight in WWI.

Photo 2 shows the US insignia for the National Army in 1917 and again in 1918. These were the divisions raised through the draft during WWI. The insignia on the right appears to have been repainted, but unfortunately, WWI collar disks have been reproduced and I hope to find one I have more confidence in.

Photo 3 shows a Machinegun Battalion with Regular Army US disc. This came with the soldier’s Victory Medal. He has scratched an “H”, possibly his company letter, above the rifles.

Photo 4 shows how a National Army US insignia looked after the regimental affiliation was moved to the US side.