The US military carries with them many things, but there is one item that may raise eyebrows outside of platoons and cause sniggers and eye rolls within the ranks.

Morale patches have long been a source of interest for the military, and today they are worn throughout all branches. They are even found in civilian life.

Little known to society, these patches come with an interesting (and oftentimes colorful) history. Curious about where those finger-to-nose patches originated and why they are so popular?

We’ll give you all the inside know-how here.

1. Morale Patches: A Dark Past

While many argue about where the idea for unauthorized morale patches originated, it’s hardly disputed that the military-approved idea derived from what was called the “blood chit.”

Branches issues these rescue patches to military personnel and usually stitched on the inside of a jacket. The blood chit provided information about how to aid a soldier in the event his plane was downed or he was wounded in combat.

Usually, the blood chit was written in several languages. If the soldier did not survive, the serial number on the “escape flag” informed the military of his fate.

2. Untamed Boundaries in the Wildcat Division

According to stories handed down about the origin of the unsanctioned patch, it all started around 1918, when the 81st Division was transforming. After catching a wildcat, they adopted the beast as their mascot, earning themselves the name “Wildcat.”

The Division lived up to its mascot. In an effort to continue improving morale during and after World War I, Major General Charles J. Bailey requested a shoulder patch be created for his men. The idea came from seeing similar patches in the Allied troops on the Western Front.

Unfortunately, the army wasn’t a fan. Upon arriving in New York City prior to a voyage to Europe, Bailey was ordered to have the 81st Division remove the patches. The port commander saw them as a breach of uniform regulations, and a cable was sent to the War Department informing them of the situation.

By the time the War Department acted, however, Bailey and his men were out to sea, where he ordered them to replace their patches.

When the War Department finally did catch up to them, Bailey requested an audience with General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force (A.E.F.).

According to the stories passed down, Pershing granted Bailey and his force permission to wear the patch, saying, “All right, go ahead and wear it and see to it that you live up to it.”

So began the start of an idea that would spread throughout the entire armed forces.

3. Disney in Military

When World War II hit, it was more important than ever that soldiers’ spirits remain high. Enter Disney.

During this period, the company created training films, educational shorts and insignias for the different branches, aiding in US efforts to rally troops. Naturally, the corporation’s talent extended to morale patches, where famous Disney characters became commonplace.

Donald Duck was particularly a favorite.

As a result of Disney’s investments, their characters spilled out into society. Famous cartoon characters were placed on war bonds and posters, encouraging society to aid the war efforts.

Today, Disney characters are still seen on informal patches in the military.

4. Creative Origins

Around this period, the creativity didn’t stop at authorized insignias.

World War II aircraft nose art became particularly popular and is one of the causes many people point to when explaining the sudden burst of unauthorized morale patches and personalized gear throughout the military.

The aircraft were glamoured with everything from painted cartoons to cheeky (and usually scantily clad) models. It didn’t take long for those on the ground to take up a similar mode of personal expression; creative markings were soon implemented onto helmets and military challenge coins eventually exchanged hands.

From there, morale patches slowly infiltrated, becoming the whispered tradings of soldiers and relying on inside jokes as units found ways to express their beliefs.

The ability to quickly remove a patch with velcro was especially helpful.

5. Traction in Vietnam

Prior to Vietnam, morale patches that weren’t approved were a hidden commodity. The US government saw tactical patches as a necessary means of identification as well as a way to uplift spirits and spark conversations, but the humorous ones remained unauthorized.

It wasn’t until Vietnam when the use of non-sanctioned morale patches become widespread and more widely known. As citizens at home protested the war, soldiers felt the effects.

The morale patches they traded amongst themselves often included sarcastic or critical statements that reflected their feelings towards the war efforts.

One such patch reads “The Young Turks ’68-’69: Napalm Sticks to Hippies.”

Although many of these patches did little to encourage a fighting spirit, they did form a deepened bond of brotherhood and offered a much-needed form of expression.

6. Not Entirely Approved

The unsanctioned patches eventually came out of the shadows, and yet they are still used today.

But it’s doubtful you’ll see a soldier wearing a humorous, unsanctioned patch during any official business. Why? Because most are still not authorized by the branches.

Consequently, they are still considered a breach in uniform.

But that doesn’t mean morale patches don’t exist. Depending on the command, some leaders are prone to overlook the disregard to rules to help bolster the esprit de corps.

In fact, there is even a morale patch commemorating the “the cumulative consequences of multiple failures” of the US government’s efforts in Iraq.

As they have for decades, soldiers continue to trade informal patches. And, as they have in the past, these pieces continue to bring individuals facing horrific challenges together.

Even Superheroes Wear Morale Patches

Morale patches sneaked their way from the military to other branches of government. Now, they are on medical personnel, police officers and, yes, on superheroes.

But superheroes aren’t always the way we picture them. Take a 71-year-old grandmother, for instance, who took on six robbers to stop them from raiding a jewelry store.

You can read all about this handbag heroine here. Simply put, we think she deserves to be on a morale patch herself. What better way to boost someone’s spirits?