SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA:
Description – A red diamond (a rhombus) with verticalaxis 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) and horizontal axis 1 1/2 inches(3.81cm).
Symbolism – the Division upon its arrival in Franceadopted the insignia. The color red was selected as a compliment to the thenCommanding General whose branch of the service was the Artillery. The“ace of diamonds” was selected from the trade name “Diamonddye – it never runs”. The red diamond represents a well-knownproblem 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 knownamong the Germans opposed to it as the “Red Tigers” and the“Red Devils”.
Background – The shoulder sleeve insignia wasoriginally approved for 5th Division on 20 October 1918. It wasamended on 11 October 1922 to correct the wording of the description. On 25 May1943 the insignia was redesignated for the 5th Infantry Division andamended to include the symbolism of the design.
DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA:
Description – A silver color metal and enamel insignia1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in heightconsisting of a red diamond shaped spearhead pointed upwards and bisecting ablue wave, encircling the base of the spearhead a silver scroll inscribed withthe words “WE WILL” in black.
Symbolism – The design symbolizes the piercing of theGerman Army’s Meuse River defenses by the men of the 5thDivision in World War I, an achievement that caused the organization to beknown as the Meuse Division and gave them their Red Diamond emblem. Theoperation was described by General Pershing as “one of the most brilliantmilitary feats in the history of the American Army in France”.
Background – The distinctive unit insignia wasapproved on 27 September 1965.