Designed to resemble a Viking targe—a handheld shield larger than a buckler and often featuring metal rings capable of breaking a sword—the 47th Infantry Division Distinctive Unit Insignia was initially approved for wear on 22 August 1967. Composed of the national colors of red, white, and blue, the insignia features a horned Viking helmet with a five-pointed star emblazoned on top that is a visual representation of the state motto displayed on the state seal, “L'Étoile du Nord” (French for “Star of the North). The helmet is an emblem of the power to resist, while the pair of crossed Viking lances is a sign of the ability to both defend and protect. Taken all together, the images of the insignia allude to Viking foot troops and their renowned fearlessness and courage, particularly in combat.
This is also referenced by the motto, “FUROR VIKINGORUM,” which translates into English as “Fury Of The Vikings.” Ironically, the 47th Infantry Division was never called into active-duty service and thus did not taste battle as a single entity, but it was the source of replacement units and Soldiers during the Korean War. In 1991, the Division was reflagged as the 34th Infantry Division; while the 34th ID was equipped with the 47th ID's men and materiel, its lineage was not transferred to the 34th ID.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
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. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
Enlisted personnel wear the insignia centered on a shoulder loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.
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.Related Items47th Infantry Division Patch (SSI)