Born in Battle: From Kearny’s Patch to Rebel Ribbons, the Rise of the Corps Badge The origin of corps badges in the Union Army begins with a case of mistaken identity involving Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny and officers, and an observation of Confederates after the Battle of Seven Pines, according to Assistant Adjutant General Edward D. Townsend of the U.S. Army. Here's the story. "Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine