<< Combat Index home Combat Index Military Insignia US Army Insignia US Army Brigades 69 Air Defense Artillery Brigade Unit Insignia Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02cm) in height overall consisting of a nebuly edged ellipse divided horizontally wavy light blue and red and bearing in base a gold laurel wreath, overall issuing from base saltirewise two gold beams throughout bearing in saltire two black crossbow bolts with red heads all surmounted in the center by a red cross botonny, and on a circular gold two-part scroll looped over the base the inscription "GUARDING THE SKIES" in red letters. Symbolism: Red and yellow (gold) are colors used for artillery. The organization’s campaign service in World War I and World War II is commemorated by the two crossbow bolts, the laurel wreath and wavy partition line denote the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Pacific Theater. The unit’s origin in the Coast Artillery is indicated by the gold beams. The red cross botonny alludes to the coat of arms of the 69th Coast Artillery (Antiaircraft) and the unit’s direct descent from that organization. The blue upper area and nebuly edge together with the crossbow bolts refer to the air defense mission of the unit and the motto. Background: The insignia was originally approved for the 69th Artillery Group on 14 Aug 1968. It was redesignated for the 69th Air Defense Artillery Group on 7 Apr 1972. On 3 Jun 1983 the insignia was redesignated for the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description: On a red rectangular shield arched at the sides 2 inches (5.08cm) in width and 3 inches (7.62cm) in height overall, two yellow five-pointed stars each charged with a black disc, one at bottom right with comet tail arcing toward upper left and one in upper left with comet tail arcing toward bottom right. Symbolism: The comets allude to flight trajectory and swiftness. The black discs suggest cannon balls. The comets are placed in a defensive posture referring to the unit’s mission and resemble the number 69. Their position further suggests the link in defense between Europe and the United States. Background: The insignia was authorized on 6 Sep 1983.