108th Infantry Division Golden Griffins Division, US Army

108TH INFANTRY DIVISION GOLDEN GRIFFINS DIVISION, US ARMY

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a red seven-sided polygon one side up of 1 5/16 inches (3.33cm) circumscribing radius, a yellow griffin passant.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height consisting of a gold torch with red flame centered in front of two crossed gold muskets behind which are two white targets with black bulls’-eyes side by side each flanked on the outer side by a gold caltrap; issuant from behind the targets at upper center two gold cannon muzzles pointing up and out and all superimposed upon a base of golden rays and supported by a semi-circular scroll bearing the motto "Princeps Exercendo" in red letters.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: The seven-sided figure is representative of the seven states within which the Division was activated, while the griffin is symbolic of striking power from the air and strength on the ground.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: The colors scarlet and gold are suggested by the Division shoulder sleeve insignia. The flaming torch represent the imparting of knowledge and the targets symbolize the practical application of it. The weapons and rays signify the unit’s military readiness.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was originally authorized for the 108th Airborne Division on 10 May 1948. It was amended to add the airborne tab on 1 June 1949. On 30 March 1953 the insignia was redesignated for the 108th Infantry Division and amended to delete the airborne tab. On 7 September 1960 the insignia was redesignated for the 108th Division. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally authorized on 29 November 1968. It was amended on 26 December 1968 to correct the description.

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