240th Regiment, Maine Army National Guard
240TH REGIMENT, MAINE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
 (Shoulder Sleeve Insignia) |
 (Distinctive Unit Insignia) |
Official blazon
Shield: Argent, on a bend Azure ten mullets of the field between a portcullis Gules and a phoenix of the like rising out of flames Proper.
Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Maine Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent and Gules, a pine tree Proper.
Motto: SEMPER PRIMUS ET FIDELIS (Always, First and Faithful).
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: Argent, on a bend Azure ten mullets of the field between a portcullis Gules and a phoenix of the like rising out of flames Proper. Attached below the shield a Red scroll inscribed "SEMPER PRIMUS ET FIDELIS" in Silver
Origin/meaning
Scarlet is the branch color used for Artillery units. The early service of the former organization, then the 240th Coast Artillery, is represented by the portcullis to symbolize its harbor defense mission. The phoenix is taken from the crest of the city of Portland, seaport and chief gateway of Maine (the original headquarters of the 240th Coast Artillery). It was also the crest of the Harbor Defenses of Portland of which the organization was a part during World War I. Further, it symbolizes the successive rejuvenations of the organization following the major wars in which the nation has participated. The blue signifies the organization's service as Infantry during the Civil War and the scarlet to service as Field Artillery during World War II, the ten stars referring to combat service in six campaigns of the Civil War and to four campaigns of World War II.
The arms were originally approved for the 240th Coast Artillery (HD), Maine National Guard on 6 February 1929. It was amended to include revised history on 6 April 1929. It was redesignated for the 703d Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion on 2 February 1950. It was redesignated for the 703d Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, Maine National Guard on 9 January 1956. The insignia was reassigned for the 240th Artillery, Maine National Guard on 16 May 1961. It was redesignated for the 262d Engineer Battalion and amended to change the symbolism of the design on 2 March 1971. The coat of arms was redesignated for the 240th Regiment, Maine Army National Guard, with blazon and symbolism revised on 5 March 1997. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 240th Coast Artillery (HD), Maine National Guard on 8 February 1929. It was redesignated for the 703d Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion on 2 February 1950. It was redesignated for the 703d Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, Maine National Guard on 9 January 1956. The insignia was reassigned for the 240th Artillery, Maine National Guard on 16 May 1961. It was redesignated for the 262d Engineer Battalion and amended to change the symbolism of the design on 2 March 1971. The insignia was redesignated for the 240th Regiment, Maine Army National Guard, with description and symbolism revised on 5 March 1997.
Literature: Image from Olompvo on Pinterest. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.