The Black Diamonds 501st Infantry Regiment (United States)

the modern cloth diamonds of 501st sewn army combat uniform helmet cover, seen in iraq. additional patch sewn opposing side out of view.

during world war ii, 101st airborne division undertook steps identify paratroopers each divisional element visually. result, suit deck of cards painted on helmets of division s 4 infantry regiments. helmets of members of 501st therefore emblazoned white diamond , each respective battalion indicated white tick mark. during vietnam war diamond spade, heart , club used on helmet units of 101st airborne division instead of white black , of time black permanent marker thing needed apply it. post vietnam tradition carried on through late 1970 s. modern day members of 501st resurrected tradition in 2003 prior deployment afghanistan 2 black cloth patches sewn each side of helmet covers. tradition carried on after switch army combat uniform part of rapid fielding initiative in 2006 , again worn in iraq. emblem has entered common usage among members of current battalion outside of helmet insignia, appearing on unit clothing, challenge coins , other souvenirs. similar insignia has been appropriated use current 101st aviation brigade match of other elements within 101st airborne division chose use original world war ii regimental helmet markings. despite use of diamond patches, there no historical connection between use of insignia in world war ii , 101st aviation brigade. brigade links current use use of color-coded diamonds on uh-1s unit during vietnam, when carried designation of 101st aviation battalion. although helmet markings commonly worn units throughout army, institute of heraldry has confirmed not authorized army s uniform regulations.