Hey everyone,
I've been researching my grandfathers unit from WW2 for a number of years now. It's spawned www.campclaiborne.org, and has taken on a life of its own. I still however hunt for stuff relating to the 393rd, and that is something that's fairly difficult and been less than plentiful.
Over the years on ebay, I've managed to pick up a few items that are 393rd related. A handful of photographs, that are now on the site, a newspaper article from the Claiborne paper covering them unvailing their unit crest and motto. I've also picked up 5 DI's(distinctive insignia).
3 of these are the same design, flat pinback style with enameling and the unit motto at the bottom. The other 2 have raised pelican emblems, no motto and silver instead of white as in the other 3.(I'll supply photos as soon as I get a chance this evening.
Also, the wings on the pelican are spread in the 3 matching, and folded in on the other 2.
Reason I'm mentioning all of this is that in the past week, 3 newly made patches of the 393rd Special Services Engineer Regiment have turned up on ebay. 3! All named to the 393rd Engineer Batallion(African American) or similarly worded.
So, I flip open the 393rd Special Service Regiment book the unit produced, and there is the crest, exactly as the patch looks.
Knowing there was a 393rd General Services Engineer Regiment(African American) it makes me wonder this:
1. is the motto-less DI's I have the 393rd GS emblem?
2. is it just a variant of the 393rd SS?
3. did unit's share DI's? cause I thought the DI meant "Distinctive Insignia".
I have to tend to family matters for a while, but will post more this evening linking to some information I have, with pictures etc.
Any info/insight/speculation is appreciated.
Best,
Ken Kopacki
Camp Claiborne Historical Research Site