ARMY DIVISIONS 84 THRU 88

 

84th Division 2nd Design

Airborne

Submitted by Pittman Leary

Nickname: "Railsplitters" Worn from: 3 December 1923-19 December 1946 and March 1952---18 May 1959. Redesignated: Eighty-fourth Division Training. Worn from: 18 May 1959---1995. SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA. Description: On a red disc 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm) in diameter an ax stuck in a half split rail - ax and rail white all enclosed with 1/8 inch (.32 cm) (.32cm) Army green border. Symbolism: The 84th Division, once known as the "Lincoln Division," was organized with personnel from Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, states with which President Abraham Lincoln was associated and where he split rails for fences in his youth. Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 84th Division on 15 Apr 1924. It was authorized for the 84th Airborne Division and amended to add the Airborne tab on 13 Feb 1951. On 6 Sep 1960 the insignia was amended to delete the airborne tab and redesignated for the 84th Division (Training). DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA. Description: On a blue octagon a silver square, one point up, charged with a blue axe and above a silver scroll with the motto "Strike Hard" in blue lettering. Symbolism: In the blue and white of the Infantry, the combination of the eight sided octagonal and the four sided square indicate the numerical designation of the Division. The axe symbolizes the spirit of the pioneer as exemplified by the Railsplitters. Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally authorized for the 84th Infantry Division on 23 Dec 19421. It was authorized for the 84th Division (Training) on 16 Jan 1967. Training). Order of Battle WWI A Little History WWII European Theater Of Operations

 

Submitted by Pittman Leary

Submitted by Pittman Leary

85th Infantry Division Nickname: "Custer"  Worn from: 24 December 1918---1 June 1959. Redesignated: Eighty-fifth Division (Training). Worn from: 1 June 1959---July 1990. Redesignated: 85th Maneuver Area Command SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA. Description: On an olive drab disc with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) olive drab border, overall diameter 2 1/4 inches (5.72cm), the letters "C D" in scarlet. Symbolism: The letters "C D" symbolize "Custer Division," a nickname derived from the formation of the division at Camp Custer, Michigan, and are an incentive to emulate the qualities of courage and self-sacrifice exemplified by the life of General George A. Custer. Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 85th Infantry Division on 18 Dec 1918. It was cancelled and a new design approved on 29 Jun 1970. On 24 Feb 1986 the original shoulder sleeve insignia was reinstated for the 85th Division (Training). On 17 Oct 1999 the shoulder sleeve insignia was redesignated for the 85th Division (Training Support). DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA. Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a blue disc enclosed by a gold wreath of laurel, overall two crossed gold sabres points up, and centered thereon a scarlet cravat bearing in gold the device of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, and below suspended from the sabre hilts, a blue scroll of three folds with the name "CUSTER" in gold letters on the fold between the four gold stars, two on the fold on either side. Symbolism: General George Custer is represented by the colors scarlet and blue used on his personal flag, and by the scarlet cravat bearing the device of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, which often formed a part of his uniform. His distinguished service in the Cavalry is recalled by the crossed sabres, and laurel wreath refers to his many victories and achievements in the service of his country. The blue scroll with two stars on either refer to the rank of Major General which Custer attained during the Civil War, becoming the Army's youngest general. Background: A previous distinctive unit insignia was originally authorized for the noncolor bearing units of the 85th Division (Training) on 16 May 1967. The original insignia was cancelled and a new (the current) design was authorized for the 85th Division (Training) on 27 May 1986. The distinctive unit insignia was redesignated for the 85th Division (Training Support) on 17 Oct 1999. Order of Battle WWI

 

86th Division (ARCOM)

Submitted by Pittman Leary

Nickname: "Black Hawk" Worn from: 26 November 1918---30 December 1946. Redesignated: Eighty-sixth Army Reserve Command. Worn from: 21 August 1974---Current. Order of Battle WWI European Theater Of Operations Back to ARCOM

 

87th Division (Exercise)

Submitted by Pittman Leary

Submitted by Pittman Leary

Nickname: "Golden Acorn" Deactivated at the end of the war, the 87th Infantry Division was reactivated in Birmingham, Alabama as a Reserve Division in November 1946. Worn from: 9 November 1918---7 February 1957. Redesignated: Eighty-seventh Maneuver Area Command. Worn from: 2 April 1970---1995. Redesignated: Eighty-seventh Division (Exercise). Worn from: 1995---Current. The 87th MAC was deactivated and the 87th Division (Exercise) was activated on 1 October 1993. The Maneuver Exercise Command concept was developed in 1990, which, in turn evolved into the Infantry Division (Exercise) concept in 1992. In October 1999, the Division once again re-flagged as the 87th Training Support Division. With this reorganization came closer integration of Active Component and National Guard units and resources, and an increase in the importance of the 87th Division's training and support missions . While the 87th Division is still considered a Direct Reporting Command to the US Army Reserve Command (USARC), the Division's new parent unit is now the First Continental US Army (CONUSA), located in Georgia. The past, present and future are reflected in the unit's patch. The color gold in the "Golden Acorn" symbolizes the purity of purpose which is the defense of our nation. The acorn itself symbolizes the strength of resolve to accomplish an assigned mission. Order of Battle WWI European Theater Of Operations

 

88th Division (ARSC)

Submitted by Pittman Leary

Submitted by Pittman Leary

Nickname: "Cloverleaf"--"Blue Devils" Worn from: 12 November 1918---24 October 1947. Redesignated: Eighty-eighth Army Reserve Command. Worn from: 21 August 1974---1994. Redesignated: Eighty-eighth Army Regional Support Command. Worn from: 1994---Current. Order of Battle WWI Some History Back to ARCOM

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