Description

On a red shield round at top and bottom, 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width and 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height overall, a yellow artillery shell point up, centered vertically between four yellow grain stalks issuing from base, all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border.

Symbolism

Scarlet and are the colors associated with Field Artillery, the previous unit designation. The curvature of the top and bottom of the shield reflects the trajectory of an artillery shell. The Field Artillery mission is indicated by the shell at center and the stalks of grain are symbolic of South Dakota’s agriculture and her natural topography.

Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 147th Field Artillery Brigade on 22 February 1979. It was redesignated effective 1 September 2009, for the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and amended to revise the symbolism.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a scarlet isosceles triangle, point up, bearing a gold sun radiant with seventeen wavy rays charged with a buff disc, and in each angle of the triangle a black disc, all in front of a green wreath open at the top and extending below the triangle composed of an olive branch on the left and laurel on the right; above the apex of the triangle on a scarlet scroll forming a double band at the top and ends looped around the upper part of the wreath the inscription “WE SERVE” above, and “PROUDLY” below, all in gold letters.

Symbolism

Scarlet and yellow (gold) are the colors used for Artillery, the original unit designation. The scarlet scroll and the green olive and laurel branches refer to the two decorations awarded the unit for service in World War II: Meritorious Unit Commendation, Europe, and French Croix de Guerre with Palm, World War II, Belvedere. They suggest the streamer colors, and the laurel, a symbol of achievement, connotes the French Palm. The olive branch and triangle allude to Monte Belvedere, Italy, where the organization was cited for its courageous action in support of operations of the 3d Algerian Division. The historic Quartermaster campaign service is indicated by the central buff disc. The three black discs (heraldic gunstones) signify participation in the Philippine insurrection, World War I, and World War II, and the seventeen rays of the sun are for the like numbers of campaigns. The gold sun also alludes to the central motif of the State Flag of South Dakota, “The Sunshine State,” and refers to the unit’s allocation to the South Dakota Army National Guard.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 147th Artillery Group on 8 July 1971. It was redesignated for the 147th Field Artillery Group on 15 May 1972. The insignia was redesignated with the symbolism revised for the 147th Field Artillery Brigade on 16 February 1979. It was redesignated effective 1 September 2009, for the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and amended to revise the symbolism.

Combat Service Identification Badge

Description