204TH AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY REGIMENT
Skip Navigation Links.
Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
Or, three dragons' heads erased, conjoined in one neck, the faces looking to the chief, dexter, and sinister sides Gules, incensed Proper, the uppermost head affixed by a wreath of laurel of the third; all within a bordure of the second. Attached below the shield a Gold scroll bearing the inscription "DUM VIGILO PARO" in Black.

Symbolism
The use of the shield of the coat of arms of the 609th Coast Artillery Regiment (later redesignated as the 738th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion), differenced by the border, indicates the descent of the 204th Antiaircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion from the 2d Battalion of that organization. Scarlet (Gules) is the color of Artillery. The functions of the unit were represented by the dragons' heads, alert in all directions, breathing fire, and thus indicating their readiness to oppose all encroachment. The laurel represents the wreaths bestowed upon victors in antiquity. The motto translates to "While I Watch I Prepare."

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 204th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion on 17 April 1952. It was rescinded on 19 December 1974. The insignia was reinstated and authorized for the 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment with the description and symbolism revised effective 1 October 1994.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Or, three dragons' heads erased, conjoined in one neck, the faces looking to the chief, dexter, and sinister sides Gules, incensed Proper, the uppermost head affixed by a wreath of laurel of the third; all within a bordure of the second.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Mississippi Army National Guard: From a wreath of the colors Or and Gules a slip of magnolia full flower with leaves Proper behind a trident Sable.

Motto

DUM VIGILO PARO (While I Watch I Prepare).

Symbolism

Shield

The use of the shield of the coat of arms of the 609th Coast Artillery Regiment (later redesignated as the 738th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion), differenced by the border, indicates the descent of the 204th Antiaircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion from the 2d Battalion of that organization. Scarlet (Gules) is the color of Artillery. The functions of the unit were represented by the dragons' heads, alert in all directions, breathing fire, and thus indicating their readiness to oppose all encroachment. The laurel represents the wreaths bestowed upon victors in antiquity.

Crest

The crest is that of the Mississippi Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 204th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion on 17 April 1952. It was rescinded on 19 December 1974. The insignia was reinstated and authorized for the 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment with the blazon and symbolism revised effective 1 October 1994.





Jump to Top