Vintage Edition Introducing project “Military Insignia”, featuring top quality military heraldry designs. Here you will find designer apparel, accessories, custom postage and gifts decorated with insignia of the 1st Infantry Division (nicknamed The Big Red One after its shoulder patch and The Fighting First) It has seen continuous service since its organisation in 1917 The insignia of the 1st Infantry Division originated in World War I. There are two theories as to how the idea of the patch came about. The first theory states that the 1st Division supply trucks were manufactured in England. To make sure the 1st Division's trucks were not confused with other allies; the drivers would paint a huge "1" on the side of each truck. Later, the division engineers would go even farther and put a red number one on their sleeves. A second theory also exists. In this theory, a general of the division decided the unit should have a shoulder insignia. He decided to cut a red numeral "1" from his flannel underwear. When he showed his prototype to his men, one lieutenant said, "the general's underwear is showing!" Offended, the general challenged the young lieutenant to come up with something better. So, the young officer cut a piece of grey cloth from the uniform of a captured soldier, and placed the red "1" on top. The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 1st Division on 31 October 1918, as a red number "1" and amended on 31 March 1927, to include the background of the insignia in the design. It was redesignated for the 1st Infantry Division on 19 August 1942. The insignia was amended to revise the description on 6 October 1972.