1st Special Forces



Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a pair of silver arrows in saltire, points up and surmounted at their junction by a silver dagger with black handle point up; all over and between 

Symbolism: The crest is the crossed arrow collar insignia (insignia of branch) of the First Special Force, World War II.  The motto is translated as "From Oppression We Will Liberate Them."  

Background: The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 8 July 1960.  The insignia of the 1st Special Forces was authorized to be worn by personnel of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) and its subordinate units on 7 March 1991.


Coat of Arms

Blazon:

Shield: Argent, a fighting knife in bend hilt to base Sable.

Crest: On a wreath of the colors (Argent and Sable), two arrows saltirewise Argent.

Motto: DE OPPRESSO LIBER (Liberate From Oppression).

Symbolism:

Shield: The shield was approved for the First Special Service Force of World War II, 26 February 1943. The knife is of a distinctive shape and pattern and was issued only to the First Special Service Force.

Crest:  The crest is the crossed arrow collar (branch) insignia of the First Special Force, World War II, changed from gold to silver for harmony with the shield and to make a difference from collar insignia. The motto more fully translated means, "From Oppression We Will Liberate Them."    

Background: The coat of arms was approved on 8 July 1960.

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