53rd Signal Battalion, US Army

53RD SIGNAL BATTALION, US ARMY

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Tenné, in base a signal fire and smoke Proper.
Crest: On a wreath Or and Tenné, issuing from a millrind Gules, three lightning flashes pilewise of the first, all surmounting an annulet of bamboo Proper.
Motto: FIRST, LAST AND ALWAYS.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Tenné, in base a signal fire and smoke Proper. Attached below the shield a tripartite Silver scroll inscribed “FIRST, LAST, ALWAYS” in Black letters.

Origin/meaning

The shield is in the colors of the Signal Corps. The bonfire and curling smoke symbolize one of the primitive forms of signaling. Crest: The millrind, a symbol of strength, represents the invaluable support and skill in communications which the 53d Signal Battalion contributed to the Allied assaults first in Algeria, later in other actions in North Africa and Italy during World War II. The flashes denote skill in modern communications and speedy response to mission requirements. Participation in campaigns in Vietnam is recalled by the annulet of bamboo, signifying also unity and cooperative action. Scarlet and gold denote respectively courage and excellence.

The coat of arms was originally approved on 30 January 1942. It was amended to include a crest on 12 September 2005. The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved 30 January 1942. It was amended to add the motto on 9 June 1967. It was amended to update the description and add a symbolism on 15 June 2005.

Literature: Image from Olompvo on Pinterest. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.