WWII / Post WWII 351st Anti Aircraft Missile Battalion Flag

The flag is a Model 1921 regimental flag for a post World War II U.S. Army anti aircraft missile battalion. The sleeve of the flag contains a Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot tag that bears two dates, one being a stamped date of November 8, 1944 and, below that, a handwritten date of “Aug. 17 ’56”. In 1943 the Office of the Army Quartermaster General had ordered the Philadelphia Depot to create unit flags with blank center shields where the unit crest would appear, and blank scrolls above and below the eagle where the unit’s designation and motto would appear. These flags were be completed when a unit insignia and motto had been formally approved. This flag, in red for an artillery unit, was obviously prepared in accordance with the 1943 directive from the Quartermaster General, with the distinctive insignia and unit designation left blank. It was at that time that the date of November 8, 1944, was placed on the depot label and the flag was placed in storage to await completion upon receiving a unit assignment. This obviously occurred after the war, when the 351st anti aircraft missile battalion was created by the army. When the unit’s distinctive insignia and motto were approved they were embroidered, along with the unit designation, on the flag. This was likely done in 1956, as reflected by the second date on the Quartermaster Depot label. The flag measures approximately 36 inches by 49 inches, exclusive of the fringe. The flag sleeve has leather tabs in each end for attachment to the flag staff. One of these two leather tabs is torn. The flag is in excellent condition, with bright colors and without stains or holes.