42nd Infantry Division Rainbow Division, USA

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Ecclesiastical Heraldry of the USA:

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Military Heraldry:

42ND INFANTRY DIVISION RAINBOW DIVISION, USA

History: The Division has been active 1917-1919, 1943-1945 and from 1947. Today it consists of Units from 14 different States including Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Arms of 42nd Infantry Division Rainbow Division, USA

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)
Arms of 42nd Infantry Division Rainbow Division, USA

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: The 4th quadrant of a rainbow of three bands red, yellow and blue, each 3/8 inch (.95cm) in width, outer radius 2 inches (5.08cm); 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 an arc of three concentric red, gold metal and blue bands, the ends curving downwards and terminating behind a vertical white enamel fleur-de-lis on either side above in base a yellow enamel demi-sun with gold rays on a light blue background, all above a red scroll, the ends curving behind the lower area of each fleur-de-lis, inscribed "RAINBOW" in gold letters.

Origin/meaning

Distinctive Unit Insignia: Blue is the color used for Infantry. The rainbow alludes to the shoulder sleeve insignia of the Division and spanning across two fleurs-de-lis symbolize their combat service in France during both World War I and World War II. The sun, adapted from the seal of the State of New York, refers to the location and home area of the 42d Infantry Division.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was originally authorized by telegram on 29 October 1918 for the 42d Division. It was officially authorized for wear on 27 May 1922. On 8 September 1947 it was authorized for the 42d Infantry Division. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was authorized on 3 June 1976.

Literature: Wikipedia. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.