188th Support Battalion, US Army

188TH SUPPORT BATTALION, US ARMY

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Per chevron Gules and Or, a chevron raguly Sable edged of the second, in base an oak tree Proper.
Crest: From a wreath Or and Gules, a key ward downward and wrench in saltire of the second, overall a firebomb Proper edged of the first surmounted by a torteau firmriated and charged with amullet of the first.
Motto: Laboriferum garvis (Bearing the Heavy Burden).

Distinctive Unit Insignia, Dewscription: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall consisting of a gold oak tree bearing a crescent above a Roman sword, both crimson, the sword surmounting the tree diagonally from upper left to lower rigth.

Origin/meaning

Red is the colour used by Support Units. The Chevron also denotes Support. The raguly line symbolises difficulties that are encountered; the items combined alluding to the Motto. The Osk symbolises direct support provided by the Battalion. The Key symbolises the Quartermaster roots of the Battalion, and todays safekeeping and dispersing of Military Equipment. The Firebomb indicates the origin as an Ordnance Unit. The Star on a Red Roundel, indicates service in Vietnam as a Maintenance Battalion. The Oak tree in the Distinctive Unit Insignia stand for the direct support provided by the Battalion. The Roman Sword symbolises the Campaigns in Italy during World War II. The Crescent symbolises service in North Africa in World War II.

The arms were approved on 23 August 2007. The Distinctive Unit insignia was originally approved for the 188th Maintenance Battalion on 31 August 1966. It was redesignated effective on 18 June 2007 for the 188th Support Battalion, with description and symbolism updated.

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