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US Army Insignia

US Army Divisions



1 Armored Division

1 Armored Division
Unit Insignia

  • Description: A gold color metal and enamel insignia 1 3/16 inches in height consisting of an equilateral triangle, one point up, divided into three sections, The upper section yellow, the dexter section blue, and the sinister section red, a gun bendwise in front of a tank track and wheels, all black and overall a red lightning flash bendwise sinister, in the apex the Arabic numeral "1" in black; all above a gold scroll inscribed "Old Ironsides" in black letters.
  • Symbolism: The design is a miniaturized replica in metal and enamel of the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 1st Armored Division.
  • Background: The original distinctive unit insignia consisting of an arrowhead of blue, gold and red and centered on the gold portion, a small black arrow with point up; supporting the triangular head, a gold scroll bearing the inscription "Old Ironsides" in black letters was approved on March 11, 1966. It was cancelled and the current design was authorized on May 16, 1969.


1 Armored Division
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

  • Description: An equilateral triangle, one point up, above a horizontal tab attached in base, the overall dimensions of triangle and tab is 4 1/16 inches in height and 3 7/8 inches in width. The triangle is divided into three sections, the upper section yellow, the dexter section blue and the sinister section red, overall a gun bendwise in front of a tank track and wheels all black surmounted by a red lightning flash bendwise sinister. In the apex the Arabic numeral "1" in black, all within a 1/8 inch green border. The tab is yellow with a 1/8 inch green border with the inscription "OLD IRONSIDES" in black letters 5/16 inch in height.
  • Symbolism: Yellow, blue, and red are the colors of the branches from which armored units were formed. The tank tread, gun, and lightning flash are symbolic of mobility, power, and speed. The division's designation is in Arabic numerals.
  • Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved without the tab on November 22, 1940. The tab was authorized as a separate item on February 21, 1956. The insignia was changed to a one-piece insignia on November 5, 1970.