US WW2 AIRBORNE ARM BAND WITH FLAG

This is a US WW2 paratrooper leather arm band with the 48 star US WW2 pattern flag on it.  This was simply wrapped around the upper arm and secured to the uniform jacket with either safety pins or cord passed through the holes. Safety pins included.

Correct, coated cotton canvas construction.

Some troops also cut the flag out and sewed it on.

During landings and airborne operations, assault and paratroops were often issued large US flags to wear on their upper arms to help avoid “friendly fire” incidents. Most were discarded by the troops within days (or hours) as they were a detriment to concealment.  

Airborne Paratrooper Flag Armband was used by U.S. Paratroopers in North Africa (1942), during the D-Day invasion in Normandy (June 1944) and during Operation Market Garden (September 1944).