WW II-29th Infantry in Normandy TB02

Please drop this item in rural or Premium Member Only caches.  Do not drop it in an urban cache or leave it behind at a caching event.  Transport the bug in the original plastic bag for as long as the bag lasts; this prevents the chain and tag tangling with other items.  Otherwise, take this travel bug anywhere you wish.  No permission needed to leave the U.S.

Replica Shoulder Patch. This travel bug is one of several made to recognize the US Army Divisions that fought in Normandy and elsewhere in France in 1944. In the summer of 2012 the travel bug owner activated, dipped, then, in October, took the travel bugs to Normandy beaches, towns, museums and the American cemetery above Omaha Beach. Some of the bugs were released in France, but most were brought back to the states to be put into circulation.
   
The 29th Infantry Division, the "Blue and Gray" Division was composed of units descended from Union and Confederate regiments, brought together in a harmonious whole.  The patch is a disc bordered olive drab, divided in the shape of the Korean "tae guk" symbol of eternal life, with blue on the left and gray on the right.  
 
The division was sent to England where it trained for two years, before being among the first wave of troops to the shore at Omaha Beach, suffering massive casualties in the process.  It then advanced to Saint-Lô, and eventually through France and into Germany itself. These actions have since been the subject of many motion pictures and video games.  This particular patch is the modern, subdued version, designed to be less conspicuous on the battlefield.  Black and olive replace the blue and gray.