Image taken by Robby Gouge


As seen and symbolized on the 199th LIB shoulder-sleeve insignia, the blue and white background is used to designate the primary colors of the Infantry.  The spear, an early Infantry weapon, with flames symbolizes the evolution of massed firepower.  The overall design of the patch is symbolic, as it represents the shields once used by the Greek Phalanx and Roman Legions.  The yellow flame symbolizes the advent of gunpowder while the flaming red-ball in the middle of the shield designates man's splitting of the atom, thus ushering in the nuclear age.  The nickname "Redcatchers" was adopted early on and referred to the units mission of seeking out and destroying the communist reds they were created to combat in Southeast Asia.