The shoulder patch insignia of the 3d Armored Division has a distinct heraldic meaning and a proud history in its mixture of form, color and symbols. The basic pattern is that of three interlaced torques, no one of which would be sufficient without the other two. Combined to form a triangle, the device indicates integrity and esprit de corps.

The predominating colors of the armored force patch, yellow, red and blue, are those of the basic arms: Cavalry, Field Artillery and Infantry. The super-imposed black symbols have a more modern meaning: the tank track for mobility and armor protection, the cannon for fire power, and the bolt of lightning to designate shock action.

The arabic numeral "3" is, of course, a division designation. The SPEARHEAD flash was authorized by Major General Maurice Rose after his 3d Armored Division had brilliantly led many of the First Army's drives in France, Belgium and Germany, during 1944 and 1945.