THE THIRD MARINE DIVISION PATCH
The 3rd Marine Division Shoulder Patch worn during World
War II is in scarlet and gold, the official colors of the Marine
Corps, and consists of a scarlet triangular shied with a narrow
gold line near the outer edge. In the center of the shield is a
gold and black Caltrap, an ancient military instrument with
four metal points so disposed that any three of them being on
the ground the other projects upward, thereby impeding the
progress of the enemy’s cavalry. Literally: Don’t step on me!
Also the three visible points of the Caltrap represent the division number. This insignia was authorized in August 1943.
In 1947, the wearing of the unit shoulder patches by all Marine
Corps units was discontinued.
