429th Medical Battalion, US Army

429TH MEDICAL BATTALION, US ARMY

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Argent, on a cross Sanguine, a plate radiating four demi-fleurs-de-lis crosswise of the first bearing a hurt charged with a unicorn's head erased of the first. Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: From a wreath Argent and Sanguine, the Lexington Minute Man Proper. The statue of the Minute Man, Captain John Parker (H.H. Kitson, sculptor), stands on the common in Lexington, Massachusetts. Motto: TO SERVE OUR DEFENDERS.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02cm) in height overall consisting of a Maroon cross surmounted by a Silver disc emitting crosswise four Silver demi-fleurs-de-lis and bearing on a smaller Blue disc a Silver unicorn's head; all between two Silver scrolls, the upper scroll inscribed "TO SERVE" and the lower "OUR DEFENDERS" in blue letters.

Origin/meaning

Maroon and white are traditionally used by the Medical Corps. Blue denotes loyalty and truth. The cross is a symbol of service and physical care; it refers to the organization's mission of medical support. The unicorn, powerful and swift creature of mythology, symbolizes strength, wisdom and virtue. The horn of the unicorn was thought to possess an antidote against poison and was credited with extraordinary healing powers. The four fleurs-de-lis stand for the Battalion's participation in four campaigns in Europe during World War II.

The arms were approved on 17 April 2001. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 18 September 1970.

Literature: The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.