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.

Distinctive 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.


SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA	DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA