The 145 streamers attached to the Army Flag staff denote the campaigns fought by the Army throughout our national history. Each streamer—2 ¾ inches wide and 4 feet long—is embroidered with the designation of campaign and the year in which it occurred. The colors derive from the campaign ribbon authorized for service in that particular war. The concept of campaign streamers came to prominence in the Civil War when Army organizations embroidered the names of battles on their organizations colors. This was discontinued in 1890, when units were authorized to place silver bands, engraved with the names of battles, around the staffs of their organizational color. When AEF units in World War I were unable to obtain silver bands, General Pershing authorized the use of small ribbons bearing the names of the World War I operations. In 1921, all color bearing Army organizational were authorized to use the large campaign streamers as now used with the Army Flag.

Prepared by the Office Chief of Military History in cooperation with the Office Chief of Information and the U.S. Army Exhibit Unit, August 1964. -- NOTE: Additional 17 streamers (noted on 11 pages) for named campaigns in Vietnam, also included in this file folder.

Revolutionary War -- War of 1812 -- Mexican War -- Civil War -- Indian Wars -- War with Spain -- China Relief Expedition -- Philippine Insurrection -- Mexican Expedition -- World War I, World War II, and Korean War -- NOTE: Additional 17 streamers (noted on 11 pages) for named campaigns in Vietnam, also included in this file folder.