United States Army Center for Military History

“ Symbolism: The three white stripes of the insignia are symbolical of the three major operations in which the division participated during World War I. The blue field symbolizes the loyalty of those who placed their lives on the altar of self-sacrifice in defense of the American ideals of liberty and democracy. Background: This insignia was originally approved by telegram for the 3rd Division on 24 October 1918. It was officially announced on 20 June 1922. The insignia was amended to correct the wording of the description on 11 October 1922. ”

“ Failure in their attempt by sea did not end the Japanese effort to capture Port Moresby, which would afford them an invasion base only 340 miles from the Cape York Peninsula in Australia. In July they landed at Buna, Gona, and Sanananda on the northeast coast of Papua and pushed southward across the Papuan Peninsula. The Australians first stopped the enemy and then, joined by American forces, drove him back to his landing bases. ”

“ Gold is emblematic of honor and excellence. Background The distinctive unit insignia was approved effective 16 September 2009. Flag a.Size: Hoist: Three Feet. Fly: Four Feet. Fringe: 21⁄2” b.Description. The flag has a solid background with an embroidered American eagle displayed centered thereon. In its right talon the eagle holds an olive branch; in its left talon, a bundle of 13 arrows, all in proper colors. Its beak grasps a scroll inscribed with the unit motto. On the eagle’s breast is embroidered the shield of the coat of arms and the crest is above the eagle’s head. ”

“ Combat Engineer and Signal branches are recalled by the stylized fret and the lightning flash in chief. The stylized hexagon and embattled chief refer again respectively to the Chemical and Combat Engineer organizations. The black cross formy recalls the unit’s proud affiliation with the Duke Brigade. Black also denotes strength of purpose, yellow or gold signifies excellence. Crest: The bronze cross represents the three-time award of the French Croix de Guerre for World War II campaigns. ”

“ During the next 2 weeks the Allied Air Force continued relentless strafing and bombing of the Japanese supply lines running over the mountains to Buna, Sanananda, and Gona. The enemy, half-starved, attacked on front and flank by the Australians, yielded Ioribaiwa on 28 September and began to withdraw hastily up the trail. During the critical last days of August, Japanese units had landed at Milne Bay to threaten Port Moresby from the east, but this attack had been quickly stopped. After 3 days of heavy fighting, the enemy troops were forced back to the beach and taken off by naval vessels. ”

“ All Cavalry Companies designated as Troops in 1883. 7th Cavalry Regiment Assigned in December 1917 to the 15th Cavalry Division 7th Cavalry Regiment Relieved in May 1918 from assignment to the 15th Cavalry Division 7th Cavalry Regiment Assigned 13 September 1921 to the 1st Cavalry Division 7th Cavalry Regiment Dismounted 28 February 1943. 7th Cavalry Regiment Reorganized 4 December 1943 partly under cavalry and partly under infantry tables of organization and equipment, and the 1st Cavalry Division concurrently reorganized and redesignated as the 1st Cavalry Division, Special ”

“ VICTORY THROUGH VERSATILITY. Symbolism Shield Scarlet, the color of sacrifice and courage, honors the unit being awarded the Valorous Unit Award for AL ANBAR PROVINCE. The Valorous Unit Award is one of the highest unit decorations and is awarded for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. ”

“ XXI Corps, Seventh Army, 6th Army Group, but attached to French First Army. 15 February 1945: Seventh Army, 6th Army Group, but attached to the French II Corps of the French First Army. 18 February 1945: Seventh Army, 6th Army Group, but attached to the French II Corps. ”

“ Picardy 1918 World War II: Algeria-French Morocco (with arrowhead) ; Tunisia; Sicily (with arrowhead) ; Normandy (with arrowhead) ; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe Vietnam: Defense; Counteroffensive ”