231ST ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Per chevron Argent and Gules, in chief a fleur-de-lis and a bunch of grapes of the second, and in base a cannon in bend sinister surmounted by a pickax in bend dexter Or.  Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Red scroll turned Gold inscribed TO ATTEMPT IS TO ACCOMPLISH in Gold letters.

Symbolism
The 231st Engineer Combat Battalion was originally an Artillery Battalion-957th Field Artillery Battalion.  This descent is shown by the cannon (Artillery) surmounted by a pickax (Engineers).  Both elements of the organization are also represented in the colors used:  gold and red for Artillery and white and red for Engineers.  The chevron division of the shield signifies strength.  The fleur-de-lis is for service in France.  The bunch of grapes is for service in Central Europe and Rhineland.  The grapes are red not only because of Artillery and Engineer colors, but also to symbolize the blood shed in combat.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 24 August 1951.




Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms

Blazon

Shield

Per chevron Argent and Gules, in chief a fleur-de-lis and a bunch of grapes of the second, and in base a cannon in bend sinister surmounted by a pickax in bend dexter Or.

Crest

That for the regiments and battalions of the North Dakota Army National Guard:  On a wreath of the colors Argent and Gules, a sheaf of three arrows Argent armed and flighted Gules behind a stringed bow fessways Or with grip of the second (Gules).

Motto

TO ATTEMPT IS TO ACCOMPLISH.

Symbolism

Shield

The 231st Engineer Combat Battalion was originally an Artillery Battalion-957th Field Artillery Battalion.  This descent is shown by the cannon (Artillery) surmounted by a pickax (Engineers).  Both elements of the organization are also represented in the colors used:  gold and red for Artillery and white and red for Engineers.  The chevron division of the shield signifies strength.  The fleur-de-lis is for service in France.  The bunch of grapes is for service in Central Europe and Rhineland.  The grapes are red not only because of Artillery and Engineer colors, but also to symbolize the blood shed in combat.

Crest

The crest is that of the North Dakota Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was approved on 24 August 1951





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