“Jersey Blues,” the official nickname of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, dates back to King George’s War (1744-1748) when it was use to describe the color of the uniforms worn by troops raised by the New Jersey legislature to help fellow colony New York capture a French fort. Since that time, units bearing that nickname have earned official credit for participation in eight U.S. Army Campaigns and remain ready to answer the call of duty whenever it might come.
The unit's World War I combat history is linked to the 42nd Infantry Division, which was activated August 1917. Compiled with elements of National Guard units from 26 states, it became known as the “Rainbow Division” after a young Douglas MacArthur proclaimed that it would “stretch over the whole country like a rainbow.” As Chief of Staff, newly-promoted Colonel MacArthur helped shape and harden the division. In service among its ranks was highlighted by Major William “Wild Bill” Donovan, who was the lone American to earn country’s four highest honors: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal and National Security Medal. Before the war drew to an end in November, 1918, the Jersey Blues had garnered credit for taking part in both the Meuse-Argonne and Alsace 1918 offensives.
Employing the same design found on the
Unit Patch (Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or SSI), the division’s Combat Service Identification Badge features a tri-color design in tribute to its association with the Rainbow Division; the colors also are a nod the unit’s past as an Armored unit. Three stars signify its home state of New Jersey, third state to sign the Constitution of the United States. The remembrance of its home state can also be seen on its
Unit Crest (DUI), which is emblazoned with the nickname “Jersey Blues.”