5 Infantry Division
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Unit
Insignia
- Description: A
silver color metal and enamel insignia 1 1/8 inches
(2.86cm) in height consisting of a red diamond shaped
spearhead pointed upwards and bisecting a blue wave,
encircling the base of the spearhead a silver scroll
inscribed with the words "WE WILL" in black.
- Symbolism: The
design symbolizes the piercing of the German Army's
Meuse River defenses by the men of the 5th Division in
World War I, an achievement which caused the
organization to be known as the Meuse Division and gave
them their Red Diamond emblem. The operation was
described by General Pershing as "one of the most
brilliant military feats in the history of the American
Army in France."
- Background: The
distinctive unit insignia was approved on 27 Sep 1965.
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Shoulder
Sleeve Insignia
- Description: A
red diamond (a rhombus) with vertical axis 2 1/2 inches
(6.35cm) and horizontal axis 1 1/2 inches (3.81cm).
- Symbolism: The
insignia was adopted by the Division upon its arrival in
France. The color red was selected as a compliment to
the then Commanding General whose branch of the service
was the Artillery. The "ace of diamonds" was
selected from the trade name "Diamond dye - it
never runs." The red diamond represents a
well-known problem in bridge building, it is made up of
two adjacent isosceles triangles which made for the
greatest strength. The Division's nickname is "Red
Diamond." It is reported that the Division was
latterly known among the Germans opposed to it as the "Red
Tigers" and the "Red Devils."
- Background: The
shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for 5th
Division on 20 Oct 1918. It was amended on 11 Oct 1922
to correct the wording of the description. On 25 May
1943 the insignia was redesignated for the 5th Infantry
Division and amended to include the symbolism of the
design.
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