242nd Ordnance Battalion, US Army

242ND ORDNANCE BATTALION, US ARMY

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Gules (Crimson), a caliper hinge to base measuring a cogwheel in chief Or, pierced of the field enclosing a dexter gauntlet Celeste (Light Blue), detailed Azure, edged of the second grasping an open end wrench fesswise surmounting the caliper of the like, issuant from base two lightning flashes in pile reversed of the first edged Yellow striking the wrench.
Crest: From wreath Or and Gules (Crimson), a stylized mountain range Argent garnished silver Gray superimposed by a fire bomb sable enflamed Proiper bearing a heraldic fountain fimbriated of the third between two fleurs-de-lis Gules.
Motto: Fast, tough, efficient

Distinctive Unit Insignia, Description: A device of gold color metal and enamel 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a light blue gauntlet grasping a horsizontal gold double-end wrench, the gautlet between and the wrenach crossing below the points of two crimson lightning flashes supporting between their points above the gauntlet a gold cogwheel, enclosed at the bottom and sides by a gold calipers with points touching either side to the cogwheel and bearing on its arms the motto: "FAST, TOUGH, EFFICIENT" in crimson letters.

Origin/meaning

The caliper and wrench symbolize the Unit's former maintenance function and the cogwheel above expresses their determination to keep th wheels turning. The Gauntlet and lightning flashes symbolize toughness and speed of performance. The Mountains symbolizes the Rocky Mountains in the State of Colorado, indicating the location of the Battalion. The Firebomb suggests the Unit's mission. the Heraldic fountain alludes to the Rhine River, where the Unit was engaged in combat action. The two fleurs-de-lis denote the campaigns in Normandy and Northern France during World War II. The Distinctive Unit insignia was approved orignally for the 242nd Maintenance Battalion 2 January 1968. It was redesignated effective 16 June 2005 for the 242nd Ordnance Battalion. The arms were approved on 16 June 2005.

Literature: The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.