163rd Armored Brigade, Montana Army National Guard

163RD ARMORED BRIGADE, MONTANA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a yellow shield 2 3/8 inches (6.03cm) in width overall a white buffalo skull in front of a green diagonal band all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) white border.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a sea lion in shades of light brown between a blue fleur-de-lis and a green cactus on either side, and grasping a sword with white blade and blue hilt, all issuing from base and superimposed upon a continuous convoluted gold scroll doubled green, inscribed in base "COURAGE AND VALOR" in green letters.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: Yellow is the color used for Cavalry and the green diagonal band represents the hills of Montana, the home state of the unit. The buffalo skull symbolizes Montana's Old West heritage.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: Service in the Philippines is indicated by the sea lion from the coat of arms of the Philippines. The cactus refers to Mexican Border Service in 1916. The fleur-de-lis symbolizes World War I service in France. The green and gold/yellow of the motto scroll are the colors traditionally associated with Armor.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was originally approved for the 163d Armored Cavalry Regiment on 18 April 1968. It was redesignated for the 163d Armored Brigade with symbolism revised on 1 February 1989. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 19 June 1989.

Literature: Image from Wikimedia Commons

and The Institute of Heraldry, US Army. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.