Description
On a blue disc edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) blue border 2 9/16 inches (6.52 cm) in diameter overall, a Polar bear’s face affronté with black nose, mouth, and details and red lips and tongue below a yellow five-pointed star.

Symbolism
The insignia represents the constellation Ursa Major (The Great Bear) which, according to ancient myth, is the guardian of the North Star (Polaris), depicted by the golden yellow star.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the Alaskan Defense Command on 24 March 1943. It was redesignated for the Alaskan Department on 31 December 1943. The insignia was redesignated for Headquarters, United States Army Alaska on 1 March 1949. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-286)