This "might" have some collateral influence upon this issue with those being made/issued in the western theater. Ive also noted flags issued there in the latter war period only having 12 stars. Some did use the central void for unit ID, others didnt. When looking at these flags I too was wondering what reasons or influence may have been the source for a 12 star pattern this late in the war period... when all others from RD had 13... Additional food for thought.
Frederick