<< Combat Index home Combat Index Military Insignia US Army Insignia US Army Brigades 263 Air Defense Artillery Brigade Unit Insignia Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height, consisting of a blue palmetto with a brown trunk superimposed by a gold missile and enclosed in base by a red crescent inscribed "DUTY HONOR EXCELLENCE," in gold letters. Symbolism: The colors traditionally associated with Air Defense Artillery are scarlet and yellow/gold. The palmetto and crescent are adapted from the flag of South Carolina and reflect the unit's location. The missile suggests strike power and represents artillery warfare. Background: The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 14 Feb 1991. Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description: On a yellow rectangle arced at the top and bottom, with a 1/8 inch (.32cm) red border 3 inches (7.62cm) in height and 2 inches (5.08cm) in width overall, a blue palmetto bearing a white crescent, overall a red missile and red field piece saltirewise. Symbolism: Scarlet and yellow are the colors traditionally associated with Air Defense Artillery. Yellow/gold refers to excellence. The missile and cannon, adapted from the branch insignia, represent firepower and strength. The palmetto and crescent are associated with the South Carolina State flag and reflect the home of the unit. Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 14 Feb 1991.