Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Description
Upon a red square 2 3/8 inches (6.03 cm) on a side a blue disc 1 3/4 inches (4.45 cm) in diameter with the letters AA in white. The inner elements of the two A’s vertical lines and the outer elements arcs of a circle 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in diameter, elements of the letters 1/8 inch (.32 cm) in width. Attached immediately above the square is a blue tab with the word “AIRBORNE” in white.

Symbolism
The double “A” refers to the nickname “All American Division” adopted by the organization in France during World War I.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved for the 82d Division by the Adjutant General, American Expeditionary Forces on 21 October 1918 and was confirmed by The Adjutant General on 8 July 1922. The insignia was redesignated for the 82d Airborne Division and an “Airborne” tab authorized on 31 August 1942. Authorization for the tab was rescinded on 29 January 1947 and subsequently restored on 23 December 1948 and announced later on 1 March 1949. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-129)