49th Infantry Division
Army National Guard

Worn from:
1946 - December 1948.

The shield's shape is that of the vigilante organizations
during California's early history. The prospector is reminiscent
of the "days of '49" when the discovery of gold in northern
California instigated the gold rush. The great influx of people
into California brought about the necessity for vigilantes and
other organizations that are the forerunners of the present
California National Guard. The colors red and gold represent
the early Spanish history of the state.