8th US Army

8TH US ARMY

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a red octagon 2 1/4 inches in width and height with each side 1 inch in length, a white cross pattee throughout saltirewise with rounded corners, all within a 1/8 inch red border. The overall dimensions are 2 3/8 inches in width and height.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches in height overall consisting of a rectangular shield divided per fess argent and red arched at top and bottom superimposed by the organizational shoulder sleeve insignia (on a red octagon a white cross pattee throughout saltirewise). All above a silver motto scroll doubled and lined scarlet and inscribed "PACIFIC VICTORS" in scarlet letters.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: Red and white are the colors used to distinguish the flags of Armies. The white cross pattee divides the octagon into eight areas representing the numerical designation of the Army.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: The basic design was suggested by the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia for the Eighth United States Army. The shield is divided horizontally white and scarlet in the same pattern as the flags for United States Armies. The motto "Pacific Victors" alludes to the Eighth Army's campaigns and operations in the Pacific Area, and service during World War II and the Korean War.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved on 10 May 1944. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 2 October 1969.

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