38th Infantry Division Cyclone, USA

38TH INFANTRY DIVISION CYCLONE, USA

History: It was activated in 1917 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. It was deactivated in 1923 with National Guard Units and today consists of Units from Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Delaware,
Michigan, Tennessee and West Virginia.

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a spade shaped shield 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm) in width and 2 7/8 inches (7.30cm) in height, the heraldic dexter half blue, the sinister half red, a monogram of letters "C" and "Y" in white; the elements 1/8 inch (.32cm) in width; all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) Army green border.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02cm) in height overall consisting of a blue three leaf clover with gold stem and issuing out of a white stylized cloud at its center three gold lightning flashes pointing counterclockwise the central flash tipped with an arrowhead; below the clover leaf, attached at each side, a red scroll inscribed in center with the word CYCLONE in gold letters.

Origin/meaning

The Division was activated in 1917 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. When this Camp was damaged by a Tornado the Division was named Cyclone Division. This is indicated by the SSI and DUI.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia originally approved by telegram for the 38th Infantry on 30 October 1918. It was officially announced on 19 June 1922. It was redesignated on 22 August 1963 for the 38th Infantry Division. On 25 January 1966 the insignia was amended to correct the wording of the description. The Distinctive Unit Insignia approved on 18 December 1969. This Distinctive Unit Insignia replaced as previously authorized on 22 July 1931 and cancelled on 21 August 1963.

Literature: Images from Wikimedia Commons. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.