1ST SPECIAL FORCES
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a pair of silver arrows in saltire, points up and surmounted at their junction by a silver dagger with black handle point up; all over and between a black motto scroll arcing to base and inscribed "DE OPPRESSO LIBER" in silver letters.

Symbolism
The insignia is the crossed arrow collar insignia (insignia of branch) of the First Special Force, World War II combined with the fighting knife which is of a distinctive shape and pattern only issued to the First Special Service Force.  The motto is translated as "From Oppression We Will Liberate Them."

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 8 July 1960.  The insignia of the 1st Special Forces was authorized to be worn by personnel of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) and its subordinate units on 7 March 1991.  The wear of the insignia by the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) and its subordinate units was cancelled and it was authorized to be worn by personnel of the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) and their subordinate units not authorized a distinctive unit insignia in their own right and amended to change the symbolism on 27 October 2016.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Argent, a fighting knife in bend hilt to base Sable.

Crest

On a wreath of the colors (Argent and Sable), two arrows saltirewise Argent.

Motto

DE OPPRESSO LIBER (Liberate From Oppression).

Symbolism

Shield

The shield was approved for the First Special Service Force of World War II, 26 February 1943. The knife is of a distinctive shape and pattern and was issued only to the First Special Service Force.

Crest

The crest is the crossed arrow collar (branch) insignia of the First Special Force, World War II, changed from gold to silver for harmony with the shield and to make a difference from collar insignia. The motto more fully translated means, "From Oppression We Will Liberate Them."

Background
The coat of arms was approved on 8 July 1960.





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