FAQs ~ Insignia and Decorations

The Institute of Heraldry does not endorse any distributors or collectors of insignia or medals. Many reputable dealers can be found by conducting an internet search.

This website contains a vast amount of information on insignia and medals. Information is updated on a weekly basis. If you are seeking more specific information, it is suggested that you conduct an internet search or visit a local library to obtain books on these subjects.

The Institute of Heraldry has a small staff of research analysts that can assist, on a very limited basis, with identification of insignia, ribbons and medals. This function is handled as time permits so there may be a long period before a reply is received. Inquiries that include a description or photograph can be sent to tiohweb@tioh.belvoir.army.mil. There are also several private organizations that provide identification services for large collections. Listings of such groups can be found by conducting an internet search.

The Institute of Heraldry has an ongoing project to digitize insignia. As this project is worked on “as time permits”, we have made active unit insignia our first priority. All insignia designs were originally hand drawn. It is a time consuming process to convert these drawings into accurate computer renderings. As new unit insignia is added, it is shown under Recently Added Items.

Requests for graphic images can be sent to tiohweb@tioh.belvoir.army.mil. We will attempt to provide the highest resolution image available in our database, but note that all insignia are not yet available or in a high resolution/vector format. We provide this service as a courtesy to active and reserves military organizations only. Please give us time to retrieve images.

The Institute of Heraldry is responsible for design of unit insignia, awards, decorations, badges and flags, but does not determine awards or wear policy. Within the U. S. Army, the Military Awards Policy Branch, The Adjutant General Directorate, Human Resources Command has overall responsibility for Army Awards Policy. Their web address is www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/TAGD/awards/index.htm. For inquiries on awards policy, contact awards@conus.army.mil.

For information on uniform wear policy, consult Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. Uniform policy website and point of contact information is located at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/Uniform/default.asp

For guidance on obtaining Army service members’ medals and decorations, visit https://www.veteranmedals.army.mil.

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