The olive version of the banana boat patch was worn on fatigues, BDU ( Battle Dress Uniform) or current version of camouflage fatigues of U.S. Army South and previously U.S. Army Forces Southern Command/Caribbean Command until late 1974. The Southern Command Shoulder Patch which we displayed on our uniforms back in 1958 had a blue background, the white sails of a Spanish galleon with a red Maltese cross on its mainsail riding white waves. In the patch, the blue denotes the Caribbean Sea, the galleon the predominant ship used by the Spanish to conquer and colonize Latin America and the Maltese cross was the insignia used by Columbus when he made his first landing in the Caribbean.

Southern Command Crest

33rd Infantry

The cross is missing on the sails

Has anyone else seen other patches like this?

Is this patch one of a kind or used on uniforms?

Courtesy CZBrats

33rd Infantry

1109th in Corozal

USAISC

Hellsgate

33rd Infantry?

6th Bomber Cmd

DI USAAF WWII

The 193d Brigade distinctive insignia (crest) is of silver color metal and enamel one inch in height and consists of a silver bayonet superimposed on a light blue diagonal strip, all on a dark blue field. The words "No Ground to Give" on the curved silver scroll at the bottom are in a dark blue color. The white (or silver) represents the old Infantry colors. The pale blue diagonal stripe is a map symbol representing the Canal Zone, where the Brigade was located. The upright bayonet denotes the basic ground combat mission of the Infantry and the silver palm branches are for honors for World War II service in Central Europe.

Courtesy William Ormsbee