The Empire Division

New York's 27th Division was one of four divisions entirely composed of soldiers from a single state. During World War I, the Army authorized divisions to adopt a distinctive patch for their uniform. The design created by the men of the 27th Division featured the constellation Orion.

The constellation was chosen as homage to their beloved commander, Major General John F. O'Ryan, who led the division on the Mexican border and to victory in World War I. The stylized "NYD" (New York Division) at the center reflects the division's composition entirely of New York National Guard units.