50th Signal Battalion, US Army

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50TH SIGNAL BATTALION, US ARMY

History: The Battalion traces its origins to Company H, Signal Corps formed on 16 December 1899.

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Tenné, on a bend double cottised potente counter-pontente Argent, a Key Sable.
Crest: On a wreath of the colors Argent and Tenné a broad arrow with point up divided fesswise Gules and Azure and charged in
base with a fleur-de-lis Or interlaced salirewise by a machete and a bolo knife blades up of the first grips and pommels Sable.
Motto: Key to Command

Distinctive Unit Insignia, Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3,18cm) in height overall consiting of a shield and motto blazoned:
Tenné, on a bend double cottised potente counter-pontente Argent, a Key Sable. Attached below the shield, a bleck scrolls turned up the sides and inscribed "KEY TO COMMAND" in silver letters.

Origin/meaning

Orange and White are the colours traditionaly associated with Signal Units. The White design is taken from the Arms of Champange, where the Battalion saw action during World War I. The Key is from the Arms of the City of Lisieux, symbolises action in Normandy and Central Europe during World War II. The Fleur-de-lis on a blue field symbolises service in France during World Wars I and II. The Arrrow symbolises the Assault Landing in Normandy. The Red colour alludes to the Meritorious Unit Commendation awarded for that action. The Machete symbolises service in the Dominican Republic and the Bolo service during the Philippine Insurrection.

The Coat of Arms and Distinctive Insignia was approved on 4 May 1954.

Literature: The Institute of Heraldry, US Army