Currently under the control of the Rhode Island National Guard, the 103rd Field Artillery Brigade was originally constituted 13 February 1929 in the Rhode Island National Guard as Headquarters, 68th Field Artillery Brigade and assigned to the 43rd Division; it was organized and Federally recognized at Providence, Rhode Island on 7 March 1930.
During World War II, it retained that designation as it served with the 43rd Infantry Division, earning four campaign streamers in the Pacific (two with Arrowheads for taking part in Assault Landings). It also was awarded a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation with a Streamer embroidered 17 OCTOBER TO 4 JULY 1945.
It remained assigned to the 43rd Infantry Division until 1963 and did not receives its current numerical designation until 1968 when it became the 103rd Artillery Group. It received its current designation on 1 October 1979.
The 103rd Field Artillery Brigade Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or unit patch, was not approved until 12 December 1984. Red and yellow, the insignia’s primary colors, are traditional Field Artillery colors. A pair of cannons crossed saltirewise represent the Brigade’s strength and directly allude to the Brigade’s mission. A blue anchor superimposed over the cannon is from the Seal and state flag of Rhode Island; it is also a symbol of the strength and resilience of Field Artillery in combat.
Related Items
103rd Field Artillery Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)
103rd Field Artillery Brigade CSIB Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)