What do the dictionaries say about the origin of the word "chevron":
S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language
Chevron, -es, m. (spec.).
Patch of galun, cord or braid on uniforms (usually on the sleeve, in the form of a corner). Gold - for injury (during World War II: a red or gold breast strip as a sign of injury).
Dictionary of foreign words
CHEVRON
Patch of galun on the sleeve of uniforms, usually having the shape of an acute angle.
Chevron - referring to chevron, chevrons. || Neu. POSTAGE
V. Dal Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language
CHEVRON m. franc. patch on the sleeve of the lower military ranks, for years of service.
T.F. Efremova New Dictionary of the Russian language. Interpretive word-formation
Chevron
Patch of galun on the sleeve of uniforms, usually having the shape of an acute angle.
D.N. Ushakov Big Dictionary of Contemporary Russian
CHEVRON, ·mas. (·franc. chevron) (milit.).
Patch of braid on the sleeve in the form of two patches of crossed at an acute angle. Unter officer silver chevrons.