119TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a shield blazoned: Gules, in sinister chief the badge of the First Corps of the Spanish-American War Argent and in base issuant a demi-lion rampant Or; on a canton of the last (Or) a bend of the first (Gules) charged with three alerions of the third (Or). Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Gold scroll inscribed "VIAM PRAEPARAMUS" in raised base metal.

Symbolism
The baptism of fire of this regiment occurred in the Toul Sector; this is represented by the canton, the arms of Lorraine. The silver badge of the Second Division of the First Corps of the Spanish-American War is displayed in sinister chief. History shows that for a great many years the district around what is now the City of El Paso, Texas, was known as Ponce de Leon's Ranch, having been settled and colonized by a group of the followers of that explorer, and who named their new home after their leader. The lion issuant is, therefore, taken from Ponce de Leon's crest, to denote service on the Mexican Border at El Paso, Texas.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 119th Field Artillery Regiment on 17 April 1925. It was redesignated for the 119th Artillery Regiment on 2 September 1960. The insignia was redesignated for the 119th Field Artillery Regiment on 11 July 1972.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Gules, in sinister chief the badge of the First Corps of the Spanish-American War Argent and in base issuant a demi-lion rampant Or; on a canton of the last (Or) a bend of the first (Gules) charged with three alerions of the third (Or).

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Michigan Army National Guard: On a wreath of the colors Argent and Gules, a griffin sergeant Or.

Motto

VIAM PRAEPARAMUS (We Prepare The Way).

Symbolism

Shield

The baptism of fire of this regiment occurred in the Toul Sector; this is represented by the canton, the arms of Lorraine. The silver badge of the Second Division of the First Corps of the Spanish-American War is displayed in sinister chief. History shows that for a great many years the district around what is now the City of El Paso, Texas, was known as Ponce de Leon's Ranch, having been settled and colonized by a group of the followers of that explorer, and who named their new home after their leader. The lion issuant is, therefore, taken from Ponce de Leon's crest, to denote service on the Mexican Border at El Paso, Texas.

Crest

The crest is that of the Michigan Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 119th Field Artillery Regiment on 18 April 1925. It was redesignated for the 119th Artillery Regiment on 2 September 1960. The insignia was redesignated for the 119th Field Artillery Regiment on 11 July 1972.





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