<< Combat Index home

Combat Index Military Insignia

US Army Insignia

US Army Brigades



163 Armored Brigade

163 Armored Brigade
Unit Insignia

  • Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a sea lion in shades of light brown between a blue fleur-de-lis and a green cactus on either side, and grasping a sword with white blade and blue hilt, all issuing from base and superimposed upon a continuous convoluted gold scroll doubled green, inscribed in base "COURAGE AND VALOR" in green letters.
  • Symbolism: Service in the Philippines is indicated by the sea lion from the coat of arms of the Philippines. The cactus refers to Mexican Border Service in 1916. The fleur-de-lis symbolizes World War I service in France. The green and gold/yellow of the motto scroll are the colors traditionally associated with Armor.
  • Background: The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 19 Jun 1989.

163 Armored Brigade
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

  • Description: On a yellow shield 2 3/8 inches (6.03cm) in width overall a white buffalo skull in front of a green diagonal band all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) white border.
  • Symbolism: Yellow is the color used for Cavalry and the green diagonal band represents the hills of Montana, the home state of the unit. The buffalo skull symbolizes Montana's Old West heritage.
  • Background: The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was originally approved for the 163d Armored Cavalry Regiment on 18 Apr 1968. It was redesignated for the 163d Armored Brigade with symbolism revised on 1 Feb 1989.