The 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Distinctive Unit Insignia reflects its organization and Federal recognition as the 45th Division at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on 3 August 1923; it had been constituted more than two years earlier on 19 October 1920. The profile of a Native American in the center of a diamond-shaped area is taken from the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma, and the color blue and gold represent the Territory of Oklahoma (troops from Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico were also used in the unit’s original organization). The motto of “SEMPER ANICUS” translates to “Always Forward” in English.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
More guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.
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On 23 February 1942, the unit was redesignated the 45th Infantry Division, and over the next three years it took part in eight campaigns in the Mediterranean and European theaters, earning Arrowheads for participating in assault landings during the Sicily, Naples-Foggia, and Southern France campaigns. It was also awarded a French Croix de Guerre with Palm. The division was reorganized in the Oklahoma National Guard in 1946 and was called into Federal service in 1950 and deployed to Korea, where it took part in four campaigns and earned a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. It was redesignated the 45th Infantry Brigade in 1968.
Since the launch of the Global War on Terror, the Brigade has earned four campaign streamers for Operation Enduring Freedom, two for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one for Operation New Dawn. It was also honored with a Meritorious Unit Commendation in for its service in Afghanistan in 2011 – 2012. It became an Infantry Brigade Combat Team in 2008. As of Autumn 2023, the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat and its seven Battalions comprise over half of the Oklahoma Army National Guard's personnel strength. It is headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma.Related Items
45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Patch (SSI)
45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)