U.S. ARMY MILITARY DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON (MDW) Ft McNair, Washington, DC
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Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
On a Blue oval 2 7/8 inches (7.30 cm) in diameter with a 3/16 inch (.48 cm) Red border fimbriated White, issuing from a Green mound in base fimbriated Argent, the Washington Monument of the last superimposed by a Red double handed sword bendwise, fimbriated White, hilt and pommel Gold; all fimbriations 1/32 inch (.08 cm).
The functions of the organization are indicated by the double handed sword, symbolic of protection, over the Washington Monument, representing the area concerned. The blue represents the Navy and the Infantry; the scarlet the Field Artillery, Coast Artillery and Engineers; and the green and gold the Military Police.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the Military District of Washington on 26 September 1942. It was redesignated for the United States Army Military District of Washington on 21 July 1971. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-268)
Distinctive Unit Insignia
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of an oval its upper half blue and containing a gold star in center, the lower half divided into seven stripes alternately white and red. Bordering the bottom of the oval, a semicircular gold scroll inscribed with the words "HAEC PROTEGIMUS" in black, the scroll ends folded twice and forked with the points up below a border of gold oak leaves terminating at either side of a gold acorn with point up at top center; crossed in front two swords their gold hilts emerging from the folds of the scroll and their white blades terminating outside the oak leaf border.
The background of the National colors refers to the seat of the government, which lies within the Military District of Washington, with the dome shaped upper part suggesting the Capitol building. The Command's responsibilities of conducting ceremonies for the President of the United States and foreign dignitaries, Medal of Honor presentations, military funerals and guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are represented by the gold star. The oak leaves symbolize strength and courage and the crossed swords indicate the Command's mission to defend the Nation's Capital. The motto translates to "This We Guard."
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for Headquarters, Military District of Washington on 6 September 1968. It was amended to delete Headquarters from the designation on 28 October 1968. The insignia was redesignated for United State Army Military District of Washington on 21 July 1971.