1889TH SUPPORT GROUP
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Shoulder Sleeve Insignia


Description/Blazon
An arrowhead shaped device 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width overall, on a blue field, two swords form an inverted red pile, throughout a buff buffalo's skull, all enclosed by a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) buff border.

Symbolism
The arrowhead and buffalo skull recalls Montana's Native American heritage.  The buff border and scarlet interior are the Support branch colors.  The two swords of Thomas Meagher raise the nation's colors, scarlet and blue, alluding to his famous rally cry.  The inverted red pile creates a smoother, sharper inner arrowhead symbolizing the determination of the Group.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 24 February 2012.   (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-1068)




Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall consisting of a demi-fleur-de-lis per pale Gules and Azure superimposed by the blades of two Gold swords crossed in saltire, supporting a shield blazoned:  Per bend wavy Azure and Buff, rays Or to chief and two billets to dexter base palewise Gules.  Terminating at the tips of the fleur-de-lis and turning at the hilts of the sword a triparted Dark Blue scroll bearing the inscription "RAISE" to the left, "THE" in the center, and "COLORS" to the right in Gold letters.

Symbolism
Scarlet and buff are the Support branch colors.  Here the buff represents Butte, Montana, the "Richest Hill on Earth."  The two red billets symbolize that Butte was a major copper producer for both World Wars.  The golden rays of a sunburst against a dark blue sky signify that this is a new group, ready to take on the challenges that await them.  The two crossed swords are those belonging to Montana's first Territorial Governor, Thomas Meagher (known as "Meagher of the Swords").  His famous rally cry, "Raise the Colors and Follow Me!" is the inspiration for the Group's motto.  His swords raise the nation's colors, scarlet and blue, in the form of a fleur-de-lis to denote that Montana was one of the last states carved from the Louisiana Purchase.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 8 November 2011.





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