Our History

The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” was formed on January 25, 1922 by order of General John J. Pershing: “You will organize and equip The Army Band.” General Pershing believed that bands played a vital role in troop morale and efficiency and was convinced that America needed a premier band to surpass those of Europe.

The creation of the Coat of Arms for the Army Band was authorized in late 1964 and was created at the Army’s Institute of Heraldry.

The band’s distinctive insignia, or coat of arms, consists of three parts:

The Shield

The Shield of the Band’s Coat of Arms
  • It contains eight red and white stripes that allude to an octave in music.
  • The blue border represents that the band is the chief musical organization of the entire Army.
  • The sword and the baton indicate the band’s mission of supplying military music.
  • The small gold and black shield symbolizes the band’s Rhineland Campaign Honor received during World War II.

The Crest

The Crest of the Band’s Coat of Arms
  • It contains a laurel wreath, a symbol of honor and prominence, formed in the shape of a lyre to symbolize music.
  • The large white (silver) star symbolizes that the band is the “Band of the Chief of Staff” and also represents General Pershing’s founding role.
  • The bugle horn, one of the earliest instruments used for martial music, is used to denote a military marching band.

The Motto

The Motto on the Band’s Coat of Arms
  • The motto is the scroll containing the band’s official designation, “Pershing’s Own,” which signifies the band’s founder, General John J. Pershing.

The distinctive uniform worn by The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” was created and adopted in the late 1960s, and was debuted at the Inauguration of President Richard Nixon on January 20, 1969. It was designed for the band by the Army’s Institute of Heraldry at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This distinctive uniform is only authorized for wear by The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”

A bugler from The U.S. Army band performing at Arlington National Cemetery
The current uniform of The U.S. Army Band
A soldier in The U.S. Army Band salutes

The uniform is patterned after traditional 19th century military uniforms, featuring Civil War style inverted rank and frock coat. The eight buttons down the front of the blouse allude to the eight notes of the musical scale, and each button is stamped with the Great Seal of The United States. The high collar, known as a standing military collar, is directly linked to the uniforms that General Pershing wore.

The collar insignia features the crest from the unit’s Coat of Arms. The use of miniature medals was started by order of Chief of Staff General Harold K. Johnson. The use of a gold braid is for decorative purposes, and the red color in the hat represents the red coats frequently worn by musicians up to the time of the Civil War.

History of The U.S. Army Band Uniforms

General John J. Pershing sitting in a chair
General John J. Pershing

Until World War II, The U.S. Army Band wore several variations of the “Pershing’s Gray” uniform. During World War II, slate blue uniforms were worn. After World War II, the band wore a variety of olive-drab uniforms, including “Ike” jackets.

Soldier wearing the “Pershing’s Gray” uniform
“Pershing’s Gray” uniform

In 1949, the standard Army dress blue uniform with cap insignia and yellow aiguillette was adopted.

Soldier wearing the 1949 Uniform
1949 Uniform

During the early 1950s, the band briefly wore a yellow uniform, known as “The Lion Tamer.”

Mannequins wearing the “Lion Tamer” uniforms
The “Lion Tamer” Uniform

In 1957, the more elaborate Army dress blues were adopted (worn at Kennedy funeral).

A member of the Herald Trumpets wearing the 1957 uniform
1957 Uniform


Historical Member Roster

This historical unit roster was compiled through extensive research of programs and other documents in our archives. It is a work in progress. Please use the form below to submit any feedback, additions to the list, or corrections that you may have.

Download Member List