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U.S. Army / U.S. Army Heraldry / Unit Insignia / Distinctive Unit Insignia, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Coat of Arms / Field Artillery / 503 Field Artillery Battalion /

503D FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION
Distinctive Unit Insignia

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) consisting of an irregular shield blazoned as follows:  Gules, upon a Lorraine cross Or a buffalo head erased Proper.  Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Gold scroll inscribed "WE CAN DO IT" in Red letters.

Symbolism
The shield is scarlet and gold for Field Artillery.  The buffalo head symbolizes the Indian name of "Buffalo Soldiers" for colored troops.  The Lorraine cross indicates the close connection of the "Buffalo Soldier" to the Army's excellent record in Lorraine during World War I.  The motto is an appropriate expression of the organization's endeavor and ultimate goal.

Background
The first design was approved for the 351st Field Artillery Regiment on 26 May 1942.  That design was rescinded and a slightly different design was approved on 14 October 1942.  It was redesignated for the 351st Field Artillery Battalion on 7 September 1943.  The insignia was redesignated for the 503d Field Artillery Battalion on 23 December 1948.  It was rescinded on 5 May 1952.




Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms

Blazon
Gules, upon a Lorraine cross Or a buffalo head erased Proper. On a wreath of the colors Or and Gules, a pelican's head erased Proper, eyed Gules. WE CAN DO IT.

Symbolism
The shield is scarlet and gold for Field Artillery.  The buffalo head symbolizes the Indian name of "Buffalo Soldiers" for colored troops.  The Lorraine cross indicates the close connection of the "Buffalo Soldier" to the Army's excellent record in Lorraine during World War I. The pelican symbolizes the state bird of Louisiana, where the Regiment was reactivated at Camp Livingston on 10 February 1941, and is taken from the badge of the 46th Field Artillery Brigade of which the Regiment was a part.

Background
The first design was approved for the 351st Field Artillery Regiment on 26 May 1942.  That design was rescinded on 14 October 1942 and a slightly different design was approved on 22 October 1942.  It was redesignated for the 351st Field Artillery Battalion on 7 September 1943.  The insignia was redesignated for the 503d Field Artillery Battalion on 23 December 1948.  It was rescinded on 5 May 1952.





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