Art Bahrs <[log in to unmask]> on 1/15/98 11:06 AM asks:


     The one I was taught as being the oldest active unit is the
     Pennsylvania Army National Guard whose shoulder patch is referred to
     as the "Bloody Bucket" because it is the Keystone emblem of the state
     but is Blood Red in color.

     Anyone know if this is not correct?


     Art,

     I let my fingers do the walking through Yahoo and came up with the
     following information on the PA National Guard:

     " The 28th "Keystone Division" is the oldest Division in the armed
       forces of the United States. On November 30, 1953, the Office of the
       Chief of Military History certified that General Order No. 1,
       March 12, 1879, officially established the Division.  "

     The above quote came from the following URL:

     http://www.leba.net/chamber/28thdiv.html

     So, I guess "officially" the 28th is the first military unit sanctioned by
     the U.S. government.

     However, I have been taught and firmly believe that the U.S. Marine Corps
     is the "BEST" military unit sanctioned by the U.S. government.  My twenty
     years of experience in that unit confirms my opinion!

     Semper Fi,

     John Hornberger
     GySgt    USMCR (retired)
     [log in to unmask]

     P.S. By the way, I alone said it and firmly believe it!!