SpeedyHedgehog
05-16-2010, 01:10 PM
The US Army’s use of Distinctive Insignia (DI), commonly referred to as unit crests, began in the 1920’s. In 1920 the Army adopted heraldic Coats of Arms for individual units, and the individual DIs, or unit crests (the actual emblem worn on the uniform), were then based on these coats of arms. The first unit authorized a unit crest was the 51st Artillery, Coast Artillery Corps, approved on March 18, 1922 (although the insignia may not have been produced until 1924. I’ve found differing dates concerning the actual production and wear of the insignia).
In 1924 the Quartermaster Corps was given responsibility for approving all Distinctive Insignia. On August 10, 1960 the Institute of Heraldry was established, and given control over the design and approval of all Army insignia, as well as the other services and agencies of the Federal government.
I will start by showing a couple of the full coat of arms and distinctive insignia. In general the DI (the actual insignia worn on the uniform) is based on the coat of arms, but in many cases differs noticeably in appearance.
3d Armored Cavalry Regiment
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6051/3dacrcoatofarms.jpg
Shield (coat of arms) symbolism
The Regiment’s original green facings on the uniform is shown by the color of the shield. The unit’s first engagement was the capture of Vera Cruz, and it continued with especially distinguished service throughout the campaign of 1847 to the capture of Mexico City. Upon entering the city, it hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the national palace and displayed the regimental standard from the palace balcony, which drew from General Scott the statement, “Brave Rifles! Veterans! You have been baptized in fire and blood and have come out steel.” The campaign is shown by the cross for Vera Cruz and the tower in green (the Mexican color) for fortified Mexico City, the first and last engagements thereof. The chief, taken from the arms of Lorraine, commemorates the regiment’s World War I service.
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/939/3acr.jpg
Crest (DI) symbolism
The green scroll represents the regiment’s original green facing on the uniform. The gold trumpet is from the crest of the coat of arms.
163d Military Intelligence Battalion
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/5118/163dmicoatofarms.jpg
Shield (coat of arms) symbolism
Oriental blue is a color traditionally associated with Military Intelligence organizations. The sun alludes to Philippine war service and to the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. The Taeguk symbolizes the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the Battalion’s ten battle honors in the Korean War. The black and white chequey alludes to the intelligence function of the organization.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5554/163mi.jpg
Crest (DI) symbolism
The two crossed anchors allude to the two United States Presidential Unit Citations (Navy) and the trident refers to the U.S. Navy Commendation Award received by the Battalion.
The following are some of my favorite unit crests and their symbolism:
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8312/7thtransbn.jpg
7th Transportation BattalionThe wheel refers to the Battalion’s mission of providing motor transport. The hub commemorates the organization’s service in World War II. The wavy band, representing the Rhine River, refers to the Rhineland campaign; the hub, the central part of the wheel, stands for service in Central Europe. The dragon’s head refers to the Battalion’s service in the Orient and to its motto. The gold (yellow) cloud, an Eastern symbol of good omen, symbolizes prosperity; the color red when used on yellow stands for loyalty. The cloud also alludes to the heavens from which Oriental dragons are believed to descend on auspicious occasions. The colors brick red and yellow are for the Transportation Corps.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/117/89mpbde.jpg
89th Military Police Brigade Gold and green are the colors used for the Military Police. The dragon, a fierce adversary, is the heraldic symbol for defender of the lawful leader, and denotes Vietnam, where the unit was activated. The black scroll represents law, jurisdiction and jurisprudence, and the flames allude to the unit’s many combat engagements.
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1277/82dengbn.jpg
82d Engineer Battalion Scarlet and white are the colors used for the Corps of Engineers, and castle towers are emblematic of that branch. A pile has long been associated with engineers and in heraldic symbolism represents leadership in engineering. The triangular form of the pile alludes to “TRINACRIA,” the sobriquet for the island of Sicily, and its wedge shape simulates an arrow point; together they refer to the unit’s assault landing in Sicily, World War II. The five-pointed star represents the unit’s participation in Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley Campaigns. The blue ox head refers to the legendary “BABE” of Paul Bunyon, with the white star also alluding to Texas, representing both lineage and place of activation.
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9606/7thmedcmd.jpg
7th Medical CommandThe colors maroon and white are traditional to the Medical Corps. The fleam is a heraldic symbol for a surgical lancet and its form simulates the unit's numerical designation; the star alludes to the command position of the unit.
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/908/35sigbde.jpg
35th Signal Brigade The design commemorates the unit’s service in World War II for which it was awarded the Meritorious Unit Streamer inscribed “Asiatic-Pacific.” The two lions are from the coat of arms of Burma; they stand for participation in the Central Burma and India-Burma Campaigns. A lion device is also one of India’s state emblems; it forms the capital of one of the great stone pillars erected by the famous Emperor Asoka about 350 B.C. The sun with twelve rays is from the flag of China; the bell, an ancient instrument for signaling, is of a type used in the Orient where bells were first introduced and are widely used today. The sun and bell refer to the installation and operation of telephone communications during the China offensive in 1945. The colors orange and white are those used for the Signal Corps.
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2711/spopnscmdafrica.jpg
Special Operations Command, Africa This is a very recent unit crest, approvedApril 9, 2009.Light and dark, black and silver, symbolize day and night, as well as overt and covert operations. The shield and spears, adapted from the weaponry of the Zulu Nation recognizes the elite war fighting of the Special Operations soldiers. The motto translates to “Let Us Go Forward Together.”
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4303/92chembn.jpg
92d Chemical Battalion The wyvern, by virtue of its ability to breathe fire, smoke and gas, is symbolic of the Chemical Corps mission.
http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/9539/123sptbn.jpg http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2190/123dsptbn.jpg
123d Support Battalion One of my all-time favorites, this is a good example of the name changes common in some kinds of units:
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 1st Armored Division Maintenance Battalion on 13 October 1942. It was redesignated for the 123d Ordnance Maintenance Battalion on 28 May 1945. It was redesignated for the 123d Armored Ordnance Maintenance Battalion on 29 July 1952. The insignia was redesignated for the 123d Ordnance Battalion on 13 September 1957. It was redesignated for the 123d Maintenance Battalion on 31 January 1962. It was redesignated for the 123d Support Battalion with the description and symbolism amended on 31 July 1987.
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/9158/449avnbde.jpg
449th Aviation Brigade The profile of the Wright Brothers' Monument at Kitty Hawk commemorates the birth of powered flight in North Carolina and alludes to the unit's location and mission. The motto exemplifies the continuing dedication to excellence and achievement.
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7364/18faa.jpg
18th Field Artillery Regiment This DI has interesting symbolism, both because of the predominant blue color, which is unusual for Artillery, as well as the connection to the battle of Get tysburg.
The shield is the shoulder patch of the 3rd Division, the bend and bendlets are from the arms of Champagne. The canton indicates the parentage of the regiment. The fishhook and Star are from the coat of arms of the 5th Field Artillery; the union battle line of Get tysburg was in the shape of a fishhook and the corps badge of Slocum’s 12th Corps was a star.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/4220/319oldcrest.jpg
http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/3315/319fa.png
319th Field Artillery Regiment
I was assigned to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 319 Field Artillery in 1982, made two jumps with them and so have fond memories of this crest. The fleur-de-lys, common on many DIs, represents service in France during WWII. Interestingly the unit crest originally had the French word "Loyaute". This was amended in 1972 and changed to "Loyalty".
In 1924 the Quartermaster Corps was given responsibility for approving all Distinctive Insignia. On August 10, 1960 the Institute of Heraldry was established, and given control over the design and approval of all Army insignia, as well as the other services and agencies of the Federal government.
I will start by showing a couple of the full coat of arms and distinctive insignia. In general the DI (the actual insignia worn on the uniform) is based on the coat of arms, but in many cases differs noticeably in appearance.
3d Armored Cavalry Regiment
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6051/3dacrcoatofarms.jpg
Shield (coat of arms) symbolism
The Regiment’s original green facings on the uniform is shown by the color of the shield. The unit’s first engagement was the capture of Vera Cruz, and it continued with especially distinguished service throughout the campaign of 1847 to the capture of Mexico City. Upon entering the city, it hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the national palace and displayed the regimental standard from the palace balcony, which drew from General Scott the statement, “Brave Rifles! Veterans! You have been baptized in fire and blood and have come out steel.” The campaign is shown by the cross for Vera Cruz and the tower in green (the Mexican color) for fortified Mexico City, the first and last engagements thereof. The chief, taken from the arms of Lorraine, commemorates the regiment’s World War I service.
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/939/3acr.jpg
Crest (DI) symbolism
The green scroll represents the regiment’s original green facing on the uniform. The gold trumpet is from the crest of the coat of arms.
163d Military Intelligence Battalion
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/5118/163dmicoatofarms.jpg
Shield (coat of arms) symbolism
Oriental blue is a color traditionally associated with Military Intelligence organizations. The sun alludes to Philippine war service and to the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. The Taeguk symbolizes the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the Battalion’s ten battle honors in the Korean War. The black and white chequey alludes to the intelligence function of the organization.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5554/163mi.jpg
Crest (DI) symbolism
The two crossed anchors allude to the two United States Presidential Unit Citations (Navy) and the trident refers to the U.S. Navy Commendation Award received by the Battalion.
The following are some of my favorite unit crests and their symbolism:
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8312/7thtransbn.jpg
7th Transportation BattalionThe wheel refers to the Battalion’s mission of providing motor transport. The hub commemorates the organization’s service in World War II. The wavy band, representing the Rhine River, refers to the Rhineland campaign; the hub, the central part of the wheel, stands for service in Central Europe. The dragon’s head refers to the Battalion’s service in the Orient and to its motto. The gold (yellow) cloud, an Eastern symbol of good omen, symbolizes prosperity; the color red when used on yellow stands for loyalty. The cloud also alludes to the heavens from which Oriental dragons are believed to descend on auspicious occasions. The colors brick red and yellow are for the Transportation Corps.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/117/89mpbde.jpg
89th Military Police Brigade Gold and green are the colors used for the Military Police. The dragon, a fierce adversary, is the heraldic symbol for defender of the lawful leader, and denotes Vietnam, where the unit was activated. The black scroll represents law, jurisdiction and jurisprudence, and the flames allude to the unit’s many combat engagements.
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1277/82dengbn.jpg
82d Engineer Battalion Scarlet and white are the colors used for the Corps of Engineers, and castle towers are emblematic of that branch. A pile has long been associated with engineers and in heraldic symbolism represents leadership in engineering. The triangular form of the pile alludes to “TRINACRIA,” the sobriquet for the island of Sicily, and its wedge shape simulates an arrow point; together they refer to the unit’s assault landing in Sicily, World War II. The five-pointed star represents the unit’s participation in Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley Campaigns. The blue ox head refers to the legendary “BABE” of Paul Bunyon, with the white star also alluding to Texas, representing both lineage and place of activation.
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9606/7thmedcmd.jpg
7th Medical CommandThe colors maroon and white are traditional to the Medical Corps. The fleam is a heraldic symbol for a surgical lancet and its form simulates the unit's numerical designation; the star alludes to the command position of the unit.
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/908/35sigbde.jpg
35th Signal Brigade The design commemorates the unit’s service in World War II for which it was awarded the Meritorious Unit Streamer inscribed “Asiatic-Pacific.” The two lions are from the coat of arms of Burma; they stand for participation in the Central Burma and India-Burma Campaigns. A lion device is also one of India’s state emblems; it forms the capital of one of the great stone pillars erected by the famous Emperor Asoka about 350 B.C. The sun with twelve rays is from the flag of China; the bell, an ancient instrument for signaling, is of a type used in the Orient where bells were first introduced and are widely used today. The sun and bell refer to the installation and operation of telephone communications during the China offensive in 1945. The colors orange and white are those used for the Signal Corps.
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2711/spopnscmdafrica.jpg
Special Operations Command, Africa This is a very recent unit crest, approvedApril 9, 2009.Light and dark, black and silver, symbolize day and night, as well as overt and covert operations. The shield and spears, adapted from the weaponry of the Zulu Nation recognizes the elite war fighting of the Special Operations soldiers. The motto translates to “Let Us Go Forward Together.”
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4303/92chembn.jpg
92d Chemical Battalion The wyvern, by virtue of its ability to breathe fire, smoke and gas, is symbolic of the Chemical Corps mission.
http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/9539/123sptbn.jpg http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2190/123dsptbn.jpg
123d Support Battalion One of my all-time favorites, this is a good example of the name changes common in some kinds of units:
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 1st Armored Division Maintenance Battalion on 13 October 1942. It was redesignated for the 123d Ordnance Maintenance Battalion on 28 May 1945. It was redesignated for the 123d Armored Ordnance Maintenance Battalion on 29 July 1952. The insignia was redesignated for the 123d Ordnance Battalion on 13 September 1957. It was redesignated for the 123d Maintenance Battalion on 31 January 1962. It was redesignated for the 123d Support Battalion with the description and symbolism amended on 31 July 1987.
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/9158/449avnbde.jpg
449th Aviation Brigade The profile of the Wright Brothers' Monument at Kitty Hawk commemorates the birth of powered flight in North Carolina and alludes to the unit's location and mission. The motto exemplifies the continuing dedication to excellence and achievement.
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7364/18faa.jpg
18th Field Artillery Regiment This DI has interesting symbolism, both because of the predominant blue color, which is unusual for Artillery, as well as the connection to the battle of Get tysburg.
The shield is the shoulder patch of the 3rd Division, the bend and bendlets are from the arms of Champagne. The canton indicates the parentage of the regiment. The fishhook and Star are from the coat of arms of the 5th Field Artillery; the union battle line of Get tysburg was in the shape of a fishhook and the corps badge of Slocum’s 12th Corps was a star.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/4220/319oldcrest.jpg
http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/3315/319fa.png
319th Field Artillery Regiment
I was assigned to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 319 Field Artillery in 1982, made two jumps with them and so have fond memories of this crest. The fleur-de-lys, common on many DIs, represents service in France during WWII. Interestingly the unit crest originally had the French word "Loyaute". This was amended in 1972 and changed to "Loyalty".