Description

3rd Army Unit Crest (Semper Prima Tertia)

The 3rd Army Unit Crest, also known as the Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) for U.S. Army Central, is a symbol of honor and tradition. This emblem represents the unit’s heritage and mission, proudly worn by authorized personnel on the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and Dress Blue Army Service Uniform (ASU), with the base of the insignia positioned toward the outside shoulder seam.

Key Features

• Design: Gold metal and enamel device measuring 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height.
• Color Scheme: Blue disc with a red border.
• Symbolism: White capital letter “A” referencing the Army Central shoulder sleeve insignia.
• Fleur-de-lis: Gold stylized fleur-de-lis with center petal extending behind and above the letter “A”.
• Stars: Five gold five-pointed stars representing the five World War II campaigns.
• Motto: Inscription “TERTIA SEMPER PRIMA” in gold letters.

The 3rd Army Unit Crest is rich in symbolism. The prominent “A” evokes the Army Central shoulder sleeve insignia, reflecting the unit’s original mission as an Army of Occupation in Germany after World War I. The gold fleur-de-lis alludes to the activation of Headquarters, Third Army, at Ligny-en-Barrois, France on 15 November 1918. The five stars symbolize the five pivotal World War II campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. The motto “Tertia Semper Prima,” meaning “The Third Always First,” honors the unit’s numerical designation and its pioneering role as the first numbered army to be redesignated under a combatant command.

Historical Context

Originally approved for the Third United States Army on 10 October 1968, this crest was redesignated for U.S. Army Central on 29 August 2006. It retains its historical significance due to its rich heritage and continued service in major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Gulf War, and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known affectionately as “Patton’s Own,” the crest commemorates its leadership under General George S. Patton during WWII.

Additional information