17TH AVIATION BRIGADE
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
a gold color metal and enamel insignia 1 1/4 inches (3.18cm) in height consisting of a blue disc bearing a gold eagle in flight, wings extending beyond the upper edge of the disc, grasping in its talons a sword, blade white, hilt and pommel gold; all above a gold scroll inscribed "FREEDOM'S EAGLES" in red letters.

Symbolism
The colors ultramarine blue and gold are used for aviation units. Gold and red, the colors of the national flag of the Republic of Vietnam, allude to the activation and initial combat service of the unit as a Group in Vietnam. The eagle, mythological guardian of the air, refers to aviation power; the sword stands for combat. The sword is white for the purity of the cause of freedom for which it is raised. It appears on the shoulder sleeve insignia of the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam and of the 1st Aviation Brigade under which the Group served and identified the Group, the predecessor organization, with those organizations.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally authorized for the 17th Combat Aviation Group on 31 Dec 1968. On 16 Dec 1987 it was redesignated for the 17th Aviation Brigade, with the symbolism revised.





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