July 31, 2003
The 17th Cavalry, 1st Squadron, Troop D acquired a new color patch in May 2003.
Puerto Rico State Guard adopted a new patch, in color and subdued in March 2002.
The 184th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron adopted two new patches "Jayhawks" and "IYAMYAS" (If You Ain't Maintenance You Ain't S_ _t in July 2003.
The Korean Defense medal design, authorized in December 2002, has been completed, is now in production on a government contract and will be available in August 2003.
In February 2003, we supplied the insignia for a new Columbia Pictures movie "Big Fish" about the Korean War era.
In April, we supplied the insignia for a new movie "Day After Tomorrow".
In June 2003, we supplied the insignia for a new movie "A Soldiers Story" being made in Vancouver, British Columbia starring Don Johnson.
May 1, 2003
The Institute of Heraldry drawing A-1-854 authorized the U.S. Army Element, Special Operation Command, Joint Forces Command shoulder sleeve insignia on 3 February 2003.
The Institute of Heraldry drawing A-1-853 authorized the 3rd Chemical Brigade shoulder sleeve insignia on 13 November 2002.
The Institute of Heraldry drawing A-1-852 authorized the 32nd Medical Brigade shoulder sleeve insignia on 24 September 2002.
Miniature medals for the War on Terrorism, Service and Expeditionary have been authorized.
The Department of Defense Defense Of Freedom medal, approved in December 2001, is not authorized for civilian sales and it appears that this will not change while Donald H. Rumsfield is Secretary of Defense.
April 2, 2003
Global War on Terrorism Medals:
President George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13289 on March 12, 2003 establishing the Global War on Terrorism Medals.
The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal is issued to service members who take part in expeditions to combat terrorism on or after September 11, 2000 outside the United States, such as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Global War on Terrorism Service medal is issued to service members who serve in operations to combat terrorism on or after September 11, 2001 within the United States, such as Operation Nobal Eagle and other efforts to safeguard military and civilian facilities.
These awards, which can be issued posthumously, do not replace the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or the Armed Forces Service Medal.
February 1, 2003
The Institute of Heraldry drawing A-1-847 authorized the U.S. Army Element, United States Transportation Command patch on 26th March 2002. These have not been contracted for production as of this date.
The Institute of Heraldry drawing A-1-848 authorized the U.S. Army Element, HQ, U.S. Pacific Command patch on 1 May 2002. These have not been contracted for production as of this date.
The Institute of Heraldry drawing A-1-849 authorized the 338th Medical Brigade patch on 24 May 2002. These have not been contracted for production as of this date.
The Institute of Heraldry drawing A-1-850 authorized the Installation Management Agency patch on 12 August 2002. These are now in production.
The Institute of Heraldry drawing A-1-851 authorized the U.S. Army Element, United States Northern Command patch on 29 August 2002. These have not been contracted for production as of this date.
The 187th Infantry Regiment 2nd Battalion was authorized a new oval on 19 June 2002.
The 187th Infantry Regiment 1st Battalion was authorized a new oval on 25 June 2002.
The 3rd Chemical Brigade Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was authorized on 19 November 2002.
The United Stated Marine Corps (USMC) has adopted a new MARPAT (Marine Pattern-MARin PATtern) branch and name tape design.
October 21, 2002
The USAF authorized a new, bright metal, Commanders Badge for squadron, group, wing and equivalent organization commanders in the rank of major through colonel. This new badge is now available.
The Institute of Heraldry has approved a new shoulder sleeve insignia United States Northern Command on 29 August 2002, as per drawing A-1-851.
The Institute of Heraldry has approved a new shoulder sleeve insignia Installation Management Agency on 12 August 2002, as per drawing A-1-850.
The Institute of Heraldry approved a new design for the Department of the Army Police and Guard shoulder sleeve insignia on 16 April 2002, as per drawing A-1-778.
New Ovals were authorized for the 101st Airborne Division, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigades on 26 June 2002. These are being manufactured under government contract at this time.
New Ovals were authorized for the 187th Infantry Regiment 1st and 2nd Brigades on 26 June 2002. The 31st Division has been redesignated the 31st Chemical Brigade as of 30 September 2002. There was no change in the shoulder sleeve insignia.
Ira Green Inc, one of America's largest insignia manufactures, purchased Krew, Inc, a leading insignia stamping company, in October 2002.
The new Marine Corps Combat Diver (Swimmer) Badge authorized In December 2001 is now being issued.
July 12, 2002
The Department of Defense, on 1 May, 2002, authorized the National Defense Medal for all service members on active duty on or after Sept.11, 2001.
The Navy has activated two new Seal Teams. Seal Team 7 is assigned to San Diego, California and Seal Team 10 to Norfolk, Virginia.
The Institute of Heraldry authorized a new crest for the Army Element, Central Command on 25 January 2002, with drawing #D-6541.
The military is now using a small, 1/2" wide, Name Tape, in desert and subdued colors, on the Gore-Tex Jacket.
E.P. Industries, Inc. of Providence, Rhode Island, contractor and manufacturer of metal insignia, hallmark "P-23", has ceased operations.
In April 2002, the last Army unit, the 88th Regional Support Command, a reserve unit headquarters at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, received their first issue black beret.
H.J. Saunders U.S. Military Insignia, Inc was a major supplier of insignia for the movie "We Were Soldiers Once and Young" with Mel Gibson.
February 25, 2002
In October 2001, the Navy authorized the new Special Warfare Combat Craft Crewman Badge. These are now being issued.
The Fort Riley Kansas Honor Guard was authorized, by local authority, their own crest in November 2001.
In December 2001, the Marine Corps authorized a Combat Diver (Swimmer) Badge. These are now under contract and should be available soon. These will be issued in full and miniature size medal and subdued cloth.
The Department of Army announced on 29 January 2002 that beginning 1 October 2003 enlisted personnel will no longer be issued polished brass insignia. These will be replaced with 22 karat gold plated mirror finished insignia. The commercial sale of 24 karat gold plate insignia will still be permitted for those item authorized by The Institute of Heraldry.
The Pentagon, in February 2002, decided not to exercise the option granted by Congress to authorize a Cold War or Korean Defense Service medal or award.
The 2nd Battalion of the 173rd Airborne Brigade is being reactivated and added to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company 173rd Airborne Brigade, which was activated in June 2000 when the SETAF Infantry Brigade was reflagged.
August 6, 2001
On July 26, the 75th Rangers switched to their new tan beret. In May, the Institute of Heraldry approved new flashes, with black borders, for the new berets.
On April 4, the US Government finally recognized the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observations Group (MAC V SOG), a super-secret Special Forces unit, that served in Vietnam from 1964 to 1972. At a ceremony in Fort Bragg, N.C., the unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. Under new rules, only service members distinguished by "heroic or meritorious achievement or service" may be awarded the Bronze Star Medals.
US Cavalry, a large retail, military and adventure equipment company, declared bankruptcy in June 2001.
May 8, 2001
Due to production problems, the Dept. of the Army announced on 1 April that the full Army Black Beret phase-in will be delayed but will be completed between 14 June and the end of December. Chief of Staff General Shinseki announced on 15 March that the Ranger Regiment will adopt a tan beret to replace their black beret.
The 168th Engineer Battalion was inactivated and reflagged and Company A was reflagged as the 18th Engineer Company to provide engineer support to the Transformation Brigade. Other new units added to the Transformation Brigade were the 2/3 Infantry Battalion, 334th Signal Company and C/52nd Infantry Battalion.
Echo Company of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is relocating from Fort Campbell to K-2 Air Base outside Taegu, South Korea.
January 19, 2001
On 22 November 2000, the Institute of Heraldry authorized the United States Army Flash, (drawing A-4-187) that is to be worn by all regular Army, National Guard and Reserve members on the new black beret, effective 14 June 2001, the 226th birthday of the US Army. This Flash is to be used until specific Flashes can be designed, approved and produced for all units.
The Institute of Heraldry Authorized a Flash (drawing A-4-184) and a Oval (drawing A-6-202) for the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment on 10 August 2000.
H.J. Saunders U. S. Military Insignia, Inc. is supplying the insignia for a new Sam Shepard movie "Blackhawk Down". The movie is being filmed in Morocco. The story is about the Ranger and Delta Forces assault on the Olympic Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia.
In November 2000, the Department of the Army/TRADOC published a 32-page color book "Beret Implementation Plan" that covers the implementations of the Army Black Beret. This publication covers the Beret Implementation Plan agenda, mission and cost with pictures of over 65 proposed new Flash designs for Army Divisions, National Guard Divisions, Major Commands, and smaller Units.
On 15 December 2000 the Army School of the Americas closed.
H.J. Saunders U. S. Military Insignia, Inc. is supplying the insignia for a new Toby Maguire movie titled "Spiderman".
November 1, 2000
Army Institute of Heraldry approved a Flash and Oval for the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment on 10 August 2000. Flash drawing #A-4-184, and Oval drawing #A-6-202.
Effective 14 June 2001, on the 226th birthday of the US Army, all active Army, National Guard and Reserve soldiers, that have completed basic and advance individual training, will be authorized to wear a black beret with the Class A, Class B, and Battle Dress uniform (BDU). The Army Institute of Heraldry has proposed designing a generic Flash to be worn by all Army units, not now authorized a Flash. New Flashes would then be designed and developed for the individual unit within the next five years.
A Kosovo Campaign Medal was authorized, on May 3, for all soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who served in the Kosovo operation, which began on March 24, 1999. NOTE: Medal is pictured at http://www.USInsignia.com
The Department of Defense has approved the NATO Medal for U.S. Military and civilian personnel who participated for 30 continuous or accumulated days, in the NATO Kosovo mission from October 13, 1998 to a date yet to be determined.
The "New" Korean War Service Medal, issued by the Republic of Korea and approved on 20 August, 1999 for American troop service in Korea, between June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 is now pictured at: http://www.USInsignia.com
H.J. Saunders U. S. Military Insignia, Inc. has supplied insignia for a new Gene Hackman movie "Behind Enemy Lines", being made at this time. This movie is about the United Nations forces.
August 1, 2000
On May 3, President Clinton approved the Kosovo Campaign Medal for all soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who served in the Kosovo operation which began on March 24, 1999. The medal is not expected to be available until January 2001.
The Institute of Heraldry, on 16 June 2000, authorized a Flash (drawing A-4-182) and Oval (drawing A-6-200) for the 234th Field Artillery Detachment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The Institute of Heraldry, on 16 June 2000, authorized a Flash (drawing A-4-183) and Oval (drawing A-6-201) for the 1st Field Artillery Detachment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Vanguard, a leading manufacturer of U.S. Military Insignia has purchased the N.S. Meyers (distribution) Company, which has been in the Insignia business since 1868.
The USAF 55th Special Operations Squadron "Nighthawks" has been deactivated. Its personnel and aircraft were dispatched to other squadrons.
The Chief of Naval Operations has renamed its numbered Patrol Wings as Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings. The change was made due to the increased number of overland reconnaissance missions these wings are now carrying out.
The Army Chief of Staff has announced that he is planning to convert two heavy armor-laden brigades at Fort Lewis Washington into a NEW style Intelligence Capable "BOLD" Brigades. These new BOLD brigades will be equipped with medium-weight vehicles and a host of new reconnaissance and intelligence equipment. The first unit to be converted will be part of the 3rd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division. The 1st Battalion, 32nd Armored Regiment will be reflagged as the 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment and will become a RSTA (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition) Squadron.
A Korean War Service Medal (Issued by the Korean government) was authorized on August 20th, 1999 and some 300,000 pieces are to be distributed by the USAF when these are available.
On June 12th, twenty-eight years after being deactivated, the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade "Sky Soldiers" will fly again! The Army's Southern European Task Force (SETAF) at Vicenza, Italy is being reflagged as the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
Army Air-Traffic Controllers and Aviation Operations Specialists are now eligible to wear the Army Aircrew Member Wings (Badge). The name of the badge is being changed to reflect the change to the Army Aviation Badge.
The California National Guard is creating two biological and chemical terrorist attack units. No unit designation or insignia has been authorized as of this date. A total of 27 National Guard teams from 26 states are scheduled to follow by late 2001.
The Department of Defense has expanded the eligibility for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to service members who participated in Operation Desert Spring since December 31, 1998.
5 October 1999 the Secretary of the Navy authorized the Combat Action Ribbon retroactively to Navy and Marine Corps members who participated in combat from 6 December 1941 to present. This award had previously been retroactive only to 1 March 1961.
There is a new article on the many different color of Airborne Tabs used over the years at http://www.naples.net/clubs/zmilins.htm.
On 18 August 1999 The Army Institute of Heraldry issued a change in name and design to the insignia shown on drawing # A-1-824. The U.S. Army Element United States Atlantic Command was changed to the U.S. Army Element United States Joint Forces Command, and the center design in the patch changed. These new patches are now in production and will be available soon. The original patch, U.S. Army Element United States Atlantic Command has now been declared obsolete.
The 7th Signal Brigade has a new motto "Voice Of Freedom" authorized for their Crest.
The Army Institute of Heraldry has authorized the following new Flashes and Ovals and issued drawing for their manufacture. They will be available soon:
In January the US Army activated it's first Space Battalion, the 1st Space Battalion, located at Colorado Springs, Colorado. No insignia has been authorized as of this date.
The USAF has authorized Instructor and Examiner patches for the 622nd Aeromed Evac. Squadron in Tampa, Florida.
The Army Institute of Heraldry has corrected drawings A-6-195 and A-6-195 for the Flash and Oval for the 1st Battalion (Airborne) 321st Field Artillery Brigade, to read: 1st Battalion (Airborne) 321st Field Artillery Regiment. One of our customers brought this error to the Institute's attention.
The USAF has authorized an Honor Guard patch that is restricted in use to several bases. This item will be available soon.
There is a new "2000 Year" design for the President of the United States 3" Cap Patch that has a blue merrowed border, as opposed to the yellow-gold border.
On August 20th the Department of Defense authorized a Korean War Campaign Medal. The design and method of distribution or issue have not been determined.
We are proud to announce that the H.J. Saunders U.S. Military Insignia, Inc. has supplied the insignia for the up-coming movie THIRTEEN DAYS. This movie is about the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Army Institute of Heraldry has issued blue print # A-6-195 authorizing a new Flash and Oval for the 1st Battalion (Airborne) 321st Field Artillery Brigade. A contract has been issued for their manufacture.
H.L.I. Lordship, Inc. a leading manufacturer of medals and insignia for the U.S. Government for many years has ceased operations.
The Secretary of Defense has approved a Cold War Recognition Certificate for all members of the Armed Forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States during the Cold War era, which is defined as 2 September 1945 to 26 December 1991.
In July, the Defense Department purchased 9,000 Purple Heart Medals from Graco Industries. This is the first order for Purple Heart Medals in eight years.
The Army Institute of Heraldry authorized a new Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for the Army Element-Defense Language Institute-Foreign Language Center on 29 April 1999 with Print #A-1-841.
H.L.I. Lordship, Inc. a leading manufacturer of medals and insignia for the U.S. Government, which merged with the Ira Green Corp. in April, has closed its Long Island New York plant.
The Secretary of Defense has approved a Cold War Recognition Certificate for all members of the Armed Forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States during the Cold War era, which is defined as 2 September 1945 to 26 December 1991.
The U.S. Special Operations Command South is moving its headquarters from East Corozal, Panama, to U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico.
The Army Institute of Heraldry held up the production of the U.S. Army Acquisition Executive Support Agency Shoulder Sleeve Insignia approved 19 Nov 1998. A new print (A-1-840) was issued 7 April 1999 and these are now in production.
The Army Institute of Heraldry has authorized a new a Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: Army Element Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center (print A-1-841). This item is now in development.
In late April, the Ira Green Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers of Crests, merged with H.L.I. Lordship, Inc. , the leading manufacturer of medals.
The Army Institute of Heraldry has authorized, and tools are in development, for the following new issue Distinctive Insignia (Crest): 305th Regiment, 306th Regiment, 307th Regiment, 349th Regiment, 350th Regiment, 357th Regiment, 358th Regiment, 359th Regiment, 364th Regiment, 382nd Regiment, 393rd Regiment, 394th Regiment, 395th Regiment, and the 411th Regiment. The New Psychological Operations Regiment Crest is still in development.
USAF authorizes NEW ENLISTED RANK: Command Master Chief Sergeant (E-9) on 1 November 1998. This new position will be the senior enlisted advisor at the wing and major command level. The new chevron has 3-stripes up, 5-stripes down, with two stars: one star where the diamond is normally placed, plus the normal star found on the enlisted chevrons.
U.S. Navy has authorized Chiefs (E-7, E-8, E-9 and E-10) to wear garrison size metal rank insignia on the epaulets of their new uniforms. This will become mandatory in the year 2000.
The Institute Of Heraldry has discontinued the requirement for Velcro fastener on the Gortex Rank Insignia authorized for use by the U.S. Army and USAF. These loop type Rank insignia are now sewn together to form a permanent loop.
The USAF has discontinued the use, and issue, of Enlisted Subdued Metal Rank Insignia that was authorized for use on the Gortex Parka.
19 Nov 1998 The US Army has established the Psychological Operations Branch (BOS) as a Corps Regiment and a new Crest with the Motto "Persuade Change Influence" is being developed.
Effective 1 October 1998 The USAF has eliminated the silver oxide finish badges in both full and miniature sizes. Only the mirror (chrome finish) in authorized.
The Ace Schiffli Embroidery Co. of Opa Locka, FL (formerly from New Jersey) a large government contract embroiderer closed its doors in October and has gone out of business.
On May 20, 1998 the Army authorized the use of Desert Subdued cloth insignia: Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Branch Insignia and Badges and Rank Insignia.
Institute Of Heraldry approved the Army and Air Force officer and enlisted embroidered Rank Insignia Tabs for the Gore-Tex parka. All are to be completed by July 30, 1998.
The U.S. Army Space & Strategic Defense Command has been redesignated the U.S. Space & Missile Defense Command, IOH drawing A-1-826.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is issuing a 40th anniversary medal for all U.S. veterans who participated in the defense of Quemoy-Matsu Island and Formosa Strait from 23 Aug 1958 to 1 June 1963.
The Dept. Of Army has ordered the production of two new Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, both are now in production and will be available soon.
New Army Reserve Unit authorized: 82nd Airborne Division Detachment. This unit will mobilize and deploy with the 82nd Airborne Division.
USAF Authorized new patch for the 622nd Aeromedic Evac. Sq.
September 1998 the INSTITUTE OF HEALDRY changed the specification on the New Army and USAF Gore--Tex Cloth Rank Insignia eliminating the Velcro closure. These items are now manufactured with the loop sewn closed.
The Dept. Of Army has authorized the Armed Forces Service Medal for participants in Operation Joint Guard in the former Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Macedonia and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Northern Watch and Southern Watch in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
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H. J. Saunders US Military Insignia, Inc. PO Box 3133 Naples FL 34106-3133 Phone: 239.775.2100; FAX 239.774-3323 E-mail: Insignia@SaundersInsignia.com
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