101st Airborne Division: Symbolism:  The design is based on one of the Civil War traditions of the State of Wisconsin, this State being the territory of the original 101^st Division.  The eagle alludes to “Old Abe,” the famous war eagle carried into combat during the Civil War by the 8^th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment.

Background:  The insignia was originally approved for the 101st Division on 23 May 1923.  It was redesignated for the 101st Airborne Division on 28 August 1942, then redesignated for the 101st Air Cavalry Division on 5 August 1968, and on 10 September 1968 it was redesignated for the 101st Airborne Division.  It was amended to correct the symbolism on 8 February 2006.