Every once and a while, hobby historians will come across little artifacts that are simply too neglected or have been forgotten, relegated to the bargain bin at antiques stores and military surplus shops all across the country. Case in point is the object in the photograph below, which a friend found in a small shop not far from where I work.
This is a WWII era company guidon, a small flag mounted on a pole for use in unit parades and formations. It is the symbol of a company sized element and denotes its affiliation with its parent unit. It was and for ceremonial purposes treated like the unit colors of the Civil War era, with respect and protected at all costs. Original guidons are extremely hard to find, and generally come at a premium. What makes this guidon important in the preservation of US military history is its parent regiment.
The 186th Infantry Regiment was the Oregon National Guard's contribution to the 41st Infantry Division, a formation comprised of troops from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The 186th saw combat in New Guinea, Biak, and the Philippines. This may very well be the only HQ Company guidon from the period still in existence. Any research regarding the fates of the other company guidons from the regiment have turned up empty. I don't know what my buddy paid for it, but all I can say is he scored a magnificent deal.
The 186th Infantry Regiment was the Oregon National Guard's contribution to the 41st Infantry Division, a formation comprised of troops from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The 186th saw combat in New Guinea, Biak, and the Philippines. This may very well be the only HQ Company guidon from the period still in existence. Any research regarding the fates of the other company guidons from the regiment have turned up empty. I don't know what my buddy paid for it, but all I can say is he scored a magnificent deal.
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