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181ST FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 5/32 inches (2.94 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Or, a giant cactus Vert between three lions rampant Sable, langued Gules. Attached below the shield a Gold scroll inscribed "HIT EM FIRST" in Black letters.

Symbolism
The shield is yellow for Cavalry. The giant cactus represents Mexican Border duty. The three lions represent World War I service as follows: One is for Flanders, whose coat of arms is Or, a lion rampant Sable; one represents the Somme Offensive. Somme is located in the Department of Picardy, whose arms has a black rampant lion. The third lion represents Belgium, in which Ypres is located.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 109th Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee National Guard on 31 May 1939. It was redesignated for the 181st Field Artillery Regiment, Tennessee National Guard on 3 December 1940. The insignia was redesignated for the 181st Field Artillery Battalion, Tennessee National Guard on 13 May 1943. It was redesignated for the 181st Armored Field Artillery Battalion, Tennessee National Guard on 19 October 1955. The insignia was again redesignated for the 181st Artillery, Tennessee National Guard on 11 October 1960. It was redesignated for the 181st Field Artillery, Tennessee Army National Guard on 19 July 1972. The insignia was amended to correct the description on 18 October 2005.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Or, a giant cactus Vert between three lions rampant Sable, armed and langued Gules.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Tennessee Army National Guard: On a wreath of the colors Or and Vert, upon a mount Vert a hickory tree Proper charged with three mullets one and two Argent.

Motto

HIT EM FIRST.

Symbolism

Shield

The shield is yellow for Cavalry. The giant cactus represents Mexican Border duty. The three lions represent World War I service as follows: One is for Flanders, whose coat of arms is Or, a lion rampant Sable; one represents the Somme Offensive. Somme is located in the Department of Picardy, whose arms has a black rampant lion. The third lion represents Belgium, in which Ypres is located.

Crest

The crest is that of the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for 109th Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee National Guard on 31 May 1939. It was redesignated for the 181st Field Artillery Regiment, Tennessee National Guard on 5 December 1940. The insignia was redesignated for the 181st Field Artillery Battalion, Tennessee National Guard on 13 May 1943. It was redesignated for the 181st Armored Field Artillery Battalion, Tennessee National Guard on 19 October 1955. The insignia was again redesignated for the 181st Artillery, Tennessee National Guard on 11 October 1960. It was redesignated for the 181st Field Artillery, Tennessee Army National Guard on 19 July 1972. The insignia was amended to correct the blazon of the shield on 18 October 2005.





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