The 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or unit patch, has been worn by a variety of unit types since it was first approved for wear by the 103rd Division on 14 October 1922. These include the 103rd Infantry Division (World War II, 1993); the 103rd Command Headquarters (Divisional) in 1963; 103rd Support Brigade (1967); and 103rd Support Command (1978). It was not redesignated for the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command until 16 September 2006.
A cactus with set against a golden sunset reflects the fact that the original unit, the 103rd Division, was formed in the American Southwest in the Organized Reserves. What insignia collectors know is that this patch was originally manufactured using an array of colors for the ground in which the cactus is planted, with the different colors representing different branches of the Army. During World War II, the Division was credited with freeing political prisoners being held at Kaufering concentration camp, and it was recognized as an official liberating unit by the U.S. Army Center for Military History.
The 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command is currently headquartered at Fort Des Moines Joint Reserve Complex in Iowa.
Related Items
103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command Unit Crest (DUI)
103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)