With the incredibly positive feedback we experienced with our reproduction 101st patches we wanted to do the same for the 82nd. The patches and flags were made side by side with an original original patch and flag to ensure the best accuracy possible in both the materials used and design of the "artwork." The patches are made with 100% cotton thread and sewn on ORIGINAL fabric. Gauze flags are one of the most important elements of a 82nd Airborne impression. Most reproductions today are printed on plain cotton muslin fabric which is much more dense than original gauze flags. These flags were copied directly from originals and are 2.75"x4.75" which was the most common flag size in the 82nd from Sicily through Market Garden. These are professionally printed on 100% cotton gauze. While you can cut the white boarder from around the flag like some troopers did during the war but your flag will fray badly after you sew it to your jacket and you will need to replace it at some point. However if you fold the white boarder down creating a finished edge (a practice also seen on original jackets) will keep the flags in stable condition in the field. One of the fastest ways to positively identify 82nd trooper in pictures from Normandy and Holland is by looking for the American flags on their right sleeves. These flags are very apparent in photos of 82nd troopers in Normandy because the 82nd did not cover them with the gas detection brassards so widely used by the 101st.
