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188TH SUPPORT BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall consisting of a gold oak tree bearing a crescent above a Roman sword, both crimson, the sword surmounting the tree diagonally from upper left to lower right.

Symbolism
The oak tree, symbol of strength, stands for the direct support provided by the Battalion. The Roman sword refers to the unit's participation in several campaigns in Italy during World War II. It also alludes to the Battalion's mission of providing maintenance support for small arms. The crescent, ancient emblem of North Africa, refers to the organization's initial war experience in that area. Crimson is the principal color used for the flags of Maintenance Battalions, the previous designation of the unit.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 188th Maintenance Battalion on 31 August 1966. It was redesignated effective 18 June 2007, for the 188th Support Battalion with description and symbolism updated.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Per chevron Gules and Or, a chevron raguly Sable edged of the second, in base an oak tree Proper.

Crest

From a wreath Or and Gules, a key ward downward and wrench in saltire of the second, overall a firebomb Proper edged of the first surmounted by a torteau fimbriated and charged with a mullet of the first.

Motto

LABORIFERUM GARVIS (Bearing The Heavy Burden).

Symbolism

Shield

Red is the color traditionally associated with Support units. The chevron indicates support/to bear; the raguly denotes difficulties that are encountered; the items combined alluding to the motto "Bearing The Heavy Burden." The oak tree symbolizes direct support provided by the Battalion.

Crest

The key alludes to the Battalion's origin in the Quartermaster Corps and currently as the safe keeper and dispenser of military equipment. The firebomb denotes the unit's lineage as an Ordnance unit. The wrench, red disk and star signify the unit's campaign participation in Vietnam as a Maintenance Battalion.

Background
The coat of arms was approved on 23 August 2007.





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