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4TH INFANTRY REGIMENT
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A gold color rectangular metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height and 1 inch (2.54cm) in width, consisting of a scarlet background on which is centered horizontally a green stripe 3/8 inch (.95cm) in width.

Symbolism
Subsequent to the Mexican War and until the blue uniform was abolished, the Band of the Fourth Infantry was authorized to wear a scarlet piping on the chevrons and trousers stripes in commemoration of the Regiment's distinguished service in the battle of Monterey in turning a captured battery of artillery against the enemy. The scarlet perpetuates this distinguished service of an element of the Regiment. Green is the predominating color of the coat of arms of the Regiment; it also symbolizes the service of the Fourth Infantry in the Mexican War.

Background
The metal and enamel distinctive unit insignia was originally approved on 21 Dec 1987. It was amended on 14 Sep 1989 to revise the description and clarify the symbolism.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Vert a cross pate Argent within a circle of fifteen mullets of the like the upper arm of the cross charged with a castle Gules, the lower arm with a fleur-de-lis, the dexter with an arrow and the sinister with a bolo both paleways all of the last.

Crest

On a wreath of the colors, Argent and Vert, four plumes Vert.

Motto

NOLI ME TANGERE (Don't Touch Me).

Symbolism
The green shield recalls the Mexican War. The National flag bore fifteen stars during the War of 1812. The white cross represents the service of the Regiment in the Civil War; the arrow, the Indian Wars; the castle, the War with Spain; the bolo, the Philippine Insurrection; and the fleur-de-lis, World War I. Prior to the approval of the coat of arms, the crest and motto were in use by the Regiment for many years.

Background
The coat of arms originally approved on 26 February 1924.  It was updated on 29 May 1959.  It was amended to correct the inconsistencies in the blazon and symbolism of the design on 14 September 1989.  The insignia was amended to correct the translation of the motto on 22 October 2014.





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