No
Lieutenant Colonel insignia is identified by a Silver Maple Leaf. In the US Army it is a cluster of silver OAK leaves. In the British army it is a crown and a single 'pip'.
Subdued rank insignia in the US Armed Forces wasn't introduced until the Vietnam war.
Which insignia did you have in mind, since there's a few different insignia worn? There's rank insignia, branch insignia, and regimental crests.
On 18 June 1780.
The rank typically associated with the gold leaf insignia in the army is that of a Major.
In the US services Generals wear stars. Majors and Lt. Colonels wear an Oak Leaf; the gold oak leaf is the Major's insignia, and the silver oak leaf is the Lieutenant Colonel's rank insignia. Major is the first rank entering the FIELD GRADE levels, that is why it is gold. Other countries have different insignia to denote rank.
Insignia of rank
Insignia of rank
Very basically speaking, the difference is one step in rank. While a Lt. Colonel is normally referred to a Colonel, a Colonel is sometimes to referred to as a "full bird colonel" to distinguish the difference. In the Army at least, a Lt. Colonel wears a clover leaf rank insignia (silver, I think) but a full Colonel wears an eagle insignia, hence the reference "full bird."
Gold leaf in military rank insignia signifies the importance and prestige of the rank. It is a symbol of honor, excellence, and authority within the military hierarchy.
Gold leaf in navy rank insignia symbolizes the importance and prestige of the rank. It is a traditional symbol of honor and excellence within the naval hierarchy.
Yes, they do, except for the Army Combat Uniform, which does not have epaulets.