“ Topo Joe”

1. “Topo Joe” Since the creation of Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), soldiers and designers have placed a myriad of animals and mythical creatures on DUIs. Few symbols have become more iconic than “Topo Joe.” “Topo Joe” was truly depictive of the mission of the 64th Engineers. The battalion preformed first, second, and third order geodetic and photo mapping surveys. In addition to topographers, the 64thEngineers had reproduction, storage and distribution, and support elements. During World War II, the 64th Engineers served in the Pacific Theater mapping the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, the Florida Islands, and Luzon. After the surrender of Japanese forces, the 64th Engineers severed on occupation duty in Japan. The battalion provided maps of Southern Honshu, Tokyo city bus routes, and Japan road maps. The 64th Engineers deployed to Korea and provided topographic support throughout the Korean War. In the 1960s, the 64th Engineers led the United States Mapping Mission covering Ethiopia, Liberia, Libya, and Iran. With the advent of global position satellites, the nature of military mapping forever changed. The 64thEngineer Battalion was deactivated in the early 1970s. Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 64th Engineer Battalion. The caricature on the DUI came to be known as “Topo Joe.” A shoulder sleeve insignia sewn to an Ike jacket belonging to a member of the 64th Engineer Battalion (Topographic). These custom-made patches were popular with the occupation forces in Japan following World War II.