2nd Infantry Division

SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA Description: Upon a five pointed white star whose points lie in the circumference of an imaginary circle 3 1/2 inches (8.89 cm) in diameter an Indian's head with war bonnet in profile, face red, bonnet blue with outline of feathers in blue.  The star to be superimposed upon a black shield, of dimensions such that the points of the star shall lie at a distance of 1/8 inch (.32 cm) from the perimeter. Symbolism: The star has played an important part in our history from the days of the Colonies to the present time.  The Indian signifies the first and original American.  These devices were originally established by the division to use as vehicle markings and to identify the vehicles as all American.  Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized for the 2d Division on 6 November 1918 and officially announced by The Adjutant General letter dated 21 June 1922.  It was amended to correct the description on 7 November 1927.  The insignia was redesignated for the 2d Infantry Division effective 1 August 1942, and amended to change the dimensions.

 

 

 

Distinctive Unit Insignia Description  A silver color metal and enamel device 1-1/8 inches in height overall consisting of a black field an Indian tomahawk in silver color metal with point to dexter and blade charged with a blue fleur-de-lis; attached to the handle by blue bands three blue feathers displayed fanwise to sinister and contained by a silver scroll bearing the motto "SECOND TO NONE" in black letters.

 

Symbolism The colors blue and white (silver) allude to Infantry; the tomahawk is used in lieu of the Indian head which appears on the shoulder sleeve insignia for the 2d Infantry Division. The fleur-de-lis is for France where the unit saw its first combat experience during World War I and the feathers denote the three conflicts (World Wars I and II and Korea) in which the unit has participated.

 

Background The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 1 May 1968.

    

 

 

  

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