The colors used to indicate branches of service in the U.S. Army have evolved and expanded since their introduction in 1851. During the Second World War they saw limited use mainly as trim on garison caps. The colors were also occasionally used in shoulder sleeve insignia, distinctive insignia, etc. The pattern of the weave of the cord varies between manufacturers and has no significance.
| BRANCH | PRIMARY COLOR | SECONDARY COLOR | COLOR EST. | CORD FROM CAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjutant General's Corps | Dark Blue | Scarlet | 1936 | 
|
| Air Corps | Ultramarine | Golden Orange | 1920 | 
|
| Armored Center & Units | Green | White | 1942 | 
|
| Cavalry | Yellow | 1855 | 
| |
| Chaplains | Black | no enlisted men | ||
| Chemical Warfare | Cobalt Blue | Golden Yellow | 1918 | |
| Coast Artillery | Scarlet | 1902 | 
| |
| Corps of Engineers | Scarlet | White | 1902 | 
|
| Detached Enlisted Men | Green | |||
| Field Artillery | Scarlet | 1851 |
| |
| Finance Dept. | Silver Gray | Golden Yellow | 1921 | |
| Infantry | Light Blue | 1851 | 
| |
| Inspector General's Dept. | Dark Blue | Light Blue | 1936 | |
| Judge Advocate General's Dept. | Dark Blue | White | 1936 | |
| Medical Dept. | Maroon | White | 1916 | 
|
| Military Intelligence | Golden Yellow | Purple | 1936 | no enlisted men |
| Military Police | Yellow | Green | 1922 | 
|
| National Guard Bureau | Dark Blue | 1921 | ||
| Ordnance Dept. | Crimson | Yellow | 1921 | 
|
| Permanent Professors USMA | Scarlet | Silver Gray | 1936 | no enlisted men |
| Quartermaster Corps | Buff | 1902 | ||
| Signal Corps | Orange | White | 1902 | |
| Specialists' Reserve | Brown | Golden Yellow | 1936 | no enlisted men |
| Tank Destroyer | Golden Orange | Black | 1943 | |
| Transportation Corps | Brick Red | Golden Yellow | 1942 | |
| Warrant Officers | Brown | 1936 | no enlisted men (1) | |
| Women's Army Corps | Old Gold | Moss Green | 1942 | 
|
