The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia of the 104th Training Division (Leader Training) was first approved for wear on 16 August 1924 for the 104th Division. It has also been worn by the 104th Infantry Division, 104th Division (Training), 104th Division (Institutional Training), and the 104th Training Division.
Organized in Salt Lake City on 7 October 1921, the 104th Division looked to imagery that evoked its home region for its unit insignia and settled on the timberwolf for several reasons. First, it represents the vigor and heartiness of life in the Western states, particularly at the time the insignia was designed. A second reason is that the timberwolf is a tenacious hunter, relentlessly pursuing its prey until it succumbs—the wildlife equivalent of “mission accomplished.” Finally, wolves are legendary for working and living in family-based packs, creating bonds that help the packs achieve common purposes.
The current version of the insignia was designed by Charles Livingston Bull, a wildlife expert and artist, and was inspired by the area of the northwest United States (Oregon) where the Division trained before entering combat in World War II.
Related Items
104th Training Division Unit Crest (DUI)
104th Training Division Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)