The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (unit patch) of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW) was originally approved on 26 September 1942 for what was then designated as the Military District of Washington. It was redesignated for the United States Army Military District of Washington on 21 July 1971.
A double-handed sword is a symbol of protection that also denotes military preparedness when display in an upright or raised position. In the MDW patch, the sword’s placement over the Washington Monument signifies the object of its protection—the Federal government and the areas around it that are vital to its security.
The blue background obviously suggests the Infantry, since blue was the original Infantry color and has been the branch color since 1903, but it also invokes the waters of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and of course the Potomac River and thus our country’s Naval forces. The scarlet trim of the insignia is for Field Artillery, Coast Artillery, and Engineers, while the green terrain and gold sword handle are the colors of the Military Police Corps.
Use the link below to view this organization’s Distinctive Unit Insignia and learn more about the history of the Military District of Washington.
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U.S. Army Military District of Washington Unit Crest (DUI)