223rd Regiment, California Army National Guard

223RD REGIMENT, CALIFORNIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Per bend Argent and Azure, a fleur-de-lis, in dexter chief counterchanged, above in dexter base a sea lion holding in its dexter paw a sword palewise of the second and in sinister chief a Korean bell of the second garnished white.
Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the California Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent and Azure, the setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant on a grassy field all proper.
Motto: SIEMPER ADELANTE (Always Forward).

DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA. Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per bend Argent and Azure, a fleur-de-lis, in dexter chief counterchanged, above in dexter base a sea lion holding in its dexter paw a sword palewise of the second and in sinister chief a Korean bell of the second garnished white. Attached below the shield is a silver scroll inscribed "SIEMPRE ADELANTE".

Origin/meaning

The service of the former organization, the 223d Armored Infantry Battalion, is indicated by the colors blue and white which represents Infantry. The fleur-de-lis, taken from the canton of the 185th Infantry Regiment, alludes to the descent of the 223d Armored Infantry Battalion from the 2d Battalion of that organization and also symbolizes the battalion’s World War I service. The sea lion represents service in the Philippines during World War II. The bell, for which Korea is noted, is for service in that country during that conflict.

The arms and the Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally authorized for the 223d Armored Infantry Battalion on 13 Jun 1956. They was rescinded on 5 Jul 1961. On 29 Oct 1997 the blazon and symbolism was revised and authorized for the 223d Regiment.

Literature: Imagesa and Information The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.