More commonly referred to as a shoulder patch or unit patch, the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia worn by military personnel serving at the United States Military Academy features the helmet of Pallas Athene, a centuries-old symbol of wisdom and learning, superimposed over a Greek sword, longtime emblem of military service. Together, they embody the military and educational missions of the Academy, and both are also found on the Coat of Arms of the U.S. Military Academy.
Interestingly, the version of the Coat of Arm that was originally submitted was a mirror image of the final approved version, with the helmet, sword, and eagle that served as the insignia’s crest were facing to the wearer’s left, an orientation called “sinister” in heraldry. The Academy’s Superintendent at the time, Brigadier General F.W. Sladen, noted that this design went against best heraldic usage, and the items were flipped to the proper “dexter” orientation (toward the wearer’s right) before it was approved on 2 July 1923.
The United States Military Academy, far better known as “West Point” or “The Academy,” is the oldest of our nation’s five American service academies, with its graduates becoming commissioned officers in the Army (although a very small number are commissioned in other branches of the Armed Forces).
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on 26 Nov 1941. It was amended on 22 Mar 1957. It was amended on 22 May 1957.