Ordnance Corps Crest United States Army Patch

Ordnance Corps Crest United States Army Patch (U.S. Army) 3.5" x 4.0" Embroidered Patch with Iron-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. 

Formations & Origins
The Ordnance Corps of the United States Army is one of the oldest branches in the U.S. military, dating back to 1812. The Ordnance Corps was established to handle the critical tasks of managing, maintaining, and supplying arms, ammunition, and other munitions to support the Army in wartime and peace. The Ordnance Corps played an instrumental role during major conflicts such as the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and beyond. The branch was tasked with ensuring that the Army’s weaponry and ammunition were in good working order, vital to maintaining military readiness.

The Ordnance Corps Crest represents the rich history of this essential branch and its ongoing mission of providing the Army with the equipment needed to win battles. The crest itself includes elements symbolizing the tradition of the Ordnance Corps: the cannon, which represents artillery and ordnance, and crossed rifles, signifying the support and connection between the ordnance and combat arms of the Army. This crest serves as a symbol of pride for the soldiers who dedicate their service to the technical, logistical, and engineering aspects of military readiness.

Notable Commanders
While the Ordnance Corps has not always had widely recognized individual commanders, many officers have risen through its ranks to lead the Army’s logistics, engineering, and equipment operations. One of the most notable figures in the history of the Ordnance Corps was General William Tecumseh Sherman, who served as a young officer in the Ordnance Department during the Mexican-American War. He later became a key figure in the Union Army during the Civil War, famously leading military campaigns that helped shape the future of U.S. warfare. The Ordnance Corps' legacy also includes those who oversaw the development of new technologies and weapons during World War II, when innovation in ordnance, from tanks to rockets, played a pivotal role in the Allies' victory.

Major Campaigns/Operations
The Ordnance Corps has been involved in virtually every major military operation in U.S. history, though its role is often behind the scenes, supporting front-line troops with the vital tools and equipment needed for combat. During World War I, the Ordnance Corps was tasked with organizing and supplying the vast amount of ammunition and artillery required by U.S. forces. It played a similar role during World War II, when the rapid pace of technological advancement meant the Corps had to support the Army with everything from small arms and explosives to advanced tanks and aircraft.

In more modern times, the Ordnance Corps has continued to be essential in support of military operations like Operation Desert Storm (1991) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003). For instance, during Desert Storm, the Ordnance Corps played a key role in ensuring that the Army’s armored and mechanized units, such as the M1 Abrams tank, remained fully operational, even in harsh desert conditions. More recently, the Corps has continued to innovate and adapt, with a focus on providing the Army with cutting-edge weaponry, including precision-guided munitions, drones, and other advanced technologies.

Specialized Role/Equipment
The Ordnance Corps is specialized in managing, maintaining, and providing weapons systems, ammunition, and equipment to the Army. This branch’s role is fundamental in ensuring that soldiers have the necessary tools to engage in combat and that all military weapons and vehicles are properly maintained and operational. The Ordnance Corps oversees a wide range of equipment, including small arms, artillery, mortars, tanks, and aviation systems, as well as the logistics behind ensuring a constant supply of ammunition to front-line troops.

One of the Corps’ most important roles is the maintenance and repair of weapons systems. Soldiers in the Ordnance Corps are responsible for ensuring that tanks like the M1 Abrams, aircraft such as the Apache AH-64, and artillery pieces, including Howitzers, remain operational throughout their service. Additionally, the Ordnance Corps has a long history of handling explosive devices and ordnance materials, such as landmines, bombs, and rocket-propelled grenades. The Corps is also responsible for developing new technologies and procedures for the safe disposal of unexploded ordnance, a critical task in areas affected by military conflict.

Acts of Heroism
The Ordnance Corps may not always be in the direct line of combat, but its soldiers have performed numerous acts of heroism in both war and peace. Perhaps the most notable acts of valor involve ordnance specialists who have risked their lives to clear unexploded ordnance, defuse bombs, and perform repairs under fire. For instance, during World War II, numerous Ordnance Corps technicians were awarded commendations for their bravery in safely disarming unexploded bombs while under direct threat from enemy forces.

More recently, ordnance soldiers have displayed courage during missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, where roadside bombs (IEDs) and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) were constant threats. Ordnance specialists were often called to the front lines to defuse IEDs or destroy dangerous munitions, and many paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. The valor displayed by Ordnance Corps soldiers in these operations is a testament to their critical role in keeping the Army’s fighting forces safe.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
The Ordnance Corps has a long legacy of supporting the Army’s logistical needs and contributing to the success of military operations. Over the years, it has been responsible for ensuring that the Army remains well-equipped and well-prepared for combat, no matter the nature of the conflict. As technology has advanced, the Ordnance Corps has adapted to manage and maintain increasingly sophisticated equipment, including tanks, aircraft, and electronic warfare systems.

The legacy of the Ordnance Corps is also tied to its ability to innovate. During World War II, for instance, the Ordnance Corps played a significant role in developing and improving tank designs, including the M4 Sherman tank, which was used extensively by Allied forces. The Corps also contributed to the development of new weapons and ammunition that were used throughout the Cold War.

In more recent times, the Ordnance Corps has continued to be a critical part of the U.S. Army's ability to engage in modern warfare, ensuring that its weapons systems are maintained, repaired, and ready for action. The development and implementation of precision-guided munitions and other advanced technologies have kept the Ordnance Corps at the forefront of military innovation. Its soldiers have been instrumental in adapting to the changing nature of warfare, from conventional battles to counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.

The Ordnance Corps Crest remains a symbol of the branch’s enduring contribution to the Army and to the success of its missions. It honors not only the technical skill and dedication of its personnel but also the critical role they play in ensuring that the Army is always prepared, always ready, and always able to fight and win. The legacy of the Ordnance Corps is a testament to the professionalism and heroism of its soldiers, who continue to serve with distinction across the globe.

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.