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181ST ENGINEER BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height consisting of two silver antlers arched, surmounted by two blue bayonets saltirewise, overall a red fleur-de-lis palewise, the device enveloped by a circular black scroll, terminating at the bayonets, the scroll inscribed "MINUTEMAN ENGINEERS" in silver.

Symbolism
The antlers allude to service in the Ardennes campaign. The bayonets refer to the unit's history as Infantry from 1922 to 1959. The fleur-de-lis represents service in France, and the black scroll symbolizes the Rhineland.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 181st Engineer Battalion on 17 Mar 1966. It was rescinded (cancelled) on 2 Jul 1975. On 26 Sep 1996 the insignia was reinstated for the 181st Engineer Battalion.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Quarterly Argent and Gules on a bend wavy Sable two deer antlers of the first between a fleur-de-lis in second and in third of the like.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalion of the Massachusetts Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent and Gules, a dexter arm embowed, clothed Blue and ruffed White Proper the hand grasping a broad sword Argent the pommel and hilt OR.

Motto

MINUTEMAN ENGINEERS

Symbolism

Shield

White and red are the colors associated with Engineer organizations. The wavy bend, suggestive of a river, is taken from the coat of arms of the Rhineland state of Germany and represents the unit's participation in that World War II campaign. The intersection of the quarters symbolizes the unit's World War II service in Central Europe; the two fleurs-de-lis denote campaign credit for Northern France; and the deer antlers reflect service in the Ardennes campaign and denote the Belgian Army Order of the Day citation.

Crest

The crest is that of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 181st Engineer Battalion on 26 Nov 1966. It was rescinded (cancelled) on 2 Jul 1975. On 26 Sep 1996 the coat of arms was reinstated for the 181st Engineer Battalion.





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