85th Infantry Division Custer (now 85th Custer Army Reserve Support Command (West)), US Army

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85TH INFANTRY DIVISION CUSTER (NOW 85TH CUSTER ARMY RESERVE SUPPORT COMMAND (WEST)), US ARMY

History: Activated 5 Auguat 1917 as 85th Division. Organized 25 August 1917 at Camp Custer (Michigan). Inactivated 18 April 1919 at the same location. Assigned 24 June 1921 to the Organized Reserve. Activated 15 May 1942 and reorganized at Camp Shelby (Mississippi). Re-designated 1 August 1942 as 85th Infantry Division. Inactivated 25 August 1945 at Camp Patrick Henry (Virginia).


Coat of arms (crest) of 85th Infantry Division Custer (now 85th Custer Army Reserve Support Command (West)), US Army

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)
Coat of arms (crest) of 85th Infantry Division Custer (now 85th Custer Army Reserve Support Command (West)), US Army

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

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.


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.

Origin/meaning

The name Custer alludes to General George Armstrong Custer and the fact that the Division was formed at Camp Custer, Michigan in 1917. Thus the letters CD on the insignia stands for Custer Division.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: 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.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was originally approved for the 85th Infantry Division on 18 December 1918. It was cancelled and a new design approved on 29 June 1970. On 24 February 1986 the original shoulder sleeve insignia was reinstated for the 85th Division (Training). On 17 October 1999 the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was redesignated for the 85th Division (Training Support). 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 October 1999.

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


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