40 Infantry Division
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Unit
Insignia
- Description: A
gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm)
in width overall consisting of a blue enamel triangular
area surmounted by a gold semi-sunburst with six full
points, at the top a gold demi-fleur-de-lis between a
background of Philippine sun rays, in base a blue enamel
Torii gate behind a vertical red enamel arrowhead (point
up, and extending slightly in front of the sunburst),
all above a circular gold scroll inscribed "Duty
Honor Courage" in red enamel letters.
- Symbolism: The
semi-sunburst was suggested by the unit's shoulder
sleeve insignia and represents the Division's allocation
to the State of California. The demi-fleur-de-lis
symbolizes service in World War I. The outer rim of sun
rays refers to the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
award. The red arrowhead alludes to the fire power of
the unit and represents their assault landing at Luzon
in World War II. The Torii gate, a symbol of the Far
East, refers to the awarded Republic of Korea
Presidential Unit Citation.
- Background: The
distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for
40th Infantry Brigade on 13 Jan 1970. It was
redesignated for the 40th Infantry Division on 31 Jan
1974.
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Shoulder
Sleeve Insignia
- Description: On
a blue square 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm) on a side a sun in
splendor in yellow, the disc 13/16 inch (2.06cm) in
diameter, 12 rays within a circle 1 7/8 inches (4.76cm)
in diameter. The square to be worn point up.
- Symbolism: The
design alludes to California where the division had its
origin, while the blue field alludes to the sky and the
Pacific Ocean.
- Background: The
shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the
40th Division on 23 Nov 1918. It was redesignated for
the 40th Armored Division on 27 Jul 1954 and rescinded
on 23 Sep 1954. The insignia was reinstated and approved
for the 40th Infantry Brigade on 1 May 1968. On 21 Jan
1974 the insignia was redesignated for the 40th Infantry
Division.
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