Unit Insignia Description
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
Description: Upon a five-pointed white star whose points
lie in the circumference of an imaginary circle, an Indian's head with
war bonnet in profile, face red, bonnet blue, with outline of feathers
in blue. The star is superimposed upon a black shield.
Symbolism: The color markings (red, white, and blue) used to identify the division and other equipment in France during World War I were chosen by the commander of the division as the colors for this insignia. The star and Indian head signify the American origin of the division.
History: The 2d Infantry Division "Indianhead" patch is one of the most recognized unit emblems in the U.S. Army because of its distinctive design and 78 years of proud service by warriors.
The origin of the patch goes back to the earliest days of the division's history. While training with the French in 1917, Col. Herringshaw of the Service and Support Supply of the 2d Infantry Division Noticed that the French trucks were marked with symbols representing the unit which it belonged. He sponsored a contest among his men to design a symbol for his trucks. There were three winners: first prize winner was a design featuring an Indianhead; second prize went to a plain white star and the third prize is lost in history.
The Colonel was not completely satisfied and it is believed that, by chance, he combined the two symbols of the white star and Indianhead and liked what he saw. Some theories say that the single star represents the state of Texas, while others claim the star is from the American Flag.
Regardless, the design was sent to the command headquarters
for approval. Brig. General Omar Bundy, division commander, not only approved
the symbol, but also ordered it put on his staff car. The size and shape
of the patch changed in October 1918 when Maj. General John A. LeJeune,
the new division commander, decided the color of the cloth behind each patch
should represent the different divisional units. After World War I, the
background of the patch was adopted from the design on the American Shield.
In World War II, it finally took the shape, size and color it has today.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description: A silver colored metal and enamel device,
consisting of a black field with an Indian tomahawk in silver, thereon,
with point to dexter and blade charged with a blue fleur-de-lis; attached
to the handle by blue bands, three blue feathers displayed fanwise to sinister
and contained by a silver scroll bearing the motto "Second to None"
in black letters.
Symbolism: Blue and white (silver) are associated with
infantry. The tomahawk alludes to the American origin of the unit as does
the Indian head of the shoulder sleeve insignia. The fleur-de-lis symbolizes
France, where the unit saw its first combat experience during World War
I. The feathers denote conflicts in which the unit participated.