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Combat Index Military Insignia

US Army Insignia

US Army Brigades



53 Infantry Brigade

53 Infantry Brigade

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53 Infantry Brigade

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Unit Insignia

  • Description: A gold color base metal and enamel insignia 1 1/4 inches (3.18cm) in width overall consisting of a green oval band horizontally placed surmounted by a gold alligator the lower part bearing the gold inscription "Gator Brigade." The insignia is worn in pairs.
  • Symbolism: The alligator refers to Florida, the Brigade's home area. Gold stands for yellow, the Armor Branch color; green, the color formerly used for Armored units, alludes to the verdure of Florida.
  • Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the Noncolor Bearing Units of the 53d Armored Brigade on 9 Jan 1967. It was redesignated for the 53d Infantry Brigade on 25 Jul 1968.

53 Infantry Brigade
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

  • Description: On a silhouetted right cylinder 3 inches (7.62cm) high and 2 inches (5.08cm) wide divided vertically blue and red within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) yellow border a yellow ray issuing 1/8 inch (.32cm) from the lower border and terminating in the upper corners, overall a black Morion with yellow delineation.
  • Symbolism: The shape of the insignia is the distinctive shape used for Brigades. Yellow is for Armor; blue and red refer to the Brigade's Infantry and Artillery components. The Morion is a type of head covering adapted from the Moors by Spain. It refers to the Spanish discoverers of Florida.
  • Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on 4 Dec 1964 for the 53d Armored Brigade. It was redesignated for the 53rd Infantry Brigade on 25 Jul 1968.