56th Field Artillery Group
| 56th Field Artillery Command | |
|---|---|
56th Field Artillery Command shoulder sleeve insignia
1971–91 |
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| Active |
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| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Motto(s) | "Quick, Reliable, Accurate" |
| Equipment | Pershing missile (1963–1991) |
| Engagements |
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| Decorations |
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The 56th Field Artillery Command was a brigade size element of the United States Army. The unit was constituted in 1942 with the last period of active service being 1963 through 1991 with the nuclear Pershing missile system.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was authorized for wear by all subordinate units.
Description: On a disc 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter, with a 1⁄8 inch (3 mm) white border a scarlet disc centered on a blue background and surmounted at center by a vertical black missile silhouette outlined in white and issuing to base a white-edged scarlet flame and white smoke cloud, the missile flanked by two diagonal yellow lightning flashes issuing from either side of the nose cone. Attached immediately above the disc, an arc tab 2 3⁄8 inches (60 mm) in length and 11⁄16 inch (17 mm) in height consisting of a dark green background inscribed "Pershing" in scarlet letters 5⁄16 inch (8 mm) in height, with a 1⁄8 inch (3 mm) scarlet border.
Symbolism: Scarlet and gold (yellow) are the colors used for field artillery; blue denotes the assigned infantry support. The destructive power and target capability of the Pershing missile are suggested by the red disc at center and the upright missile signifies the readiness of the unit. The lightning flashes refer to the ability of the missile team to act and strike quickly in event of need.
Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 56th Artillery Brigade on 9 June 1971 The Pershing tab was authorized for wear effective 18 September 1970. It was redesignated for the 56th Field Artillery Brigade on 7 April 1972. The insignia was redesignated effective 17 January 1986 for the 56th Field Artillery Command.
Previous insignia: From 1963 to 1970, the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia was the emblem of the Seventh United States Army. From 1970 to 1971, the Pershing tab was worn with the Seventh Army insignia.
The distinctive unit insignia was authorized for wear only only for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB).
Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3⁄16 inches (30 mm) in height overall consisting of a scarlet background with a trilobated cloud at the top bearing two black crossed cannons behind a white domed tower with black archway, (as depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Antwerp, Belgium) on a green base, surmounted overall by a vertical gold Pershing missile; all above a semi-circular gold scroll inscribed "Quick Reliable Accurate" in black letters.
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