108TH MEDICAL BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Gold color metal and enamel shield and crest, 1 inch (2.54 cm) in height overall, the shield divided per bend maroon and white, in chief between three mullets the Chausse Gate of Verdun all of gold color metal and in base a gold color metal rattlesnake coiled to strike. Attached above the shield on a gold color metal wreath upon a grassy field the blockhouse of old Fort Dearborn all of gold color metal.

Symbolism
The shield is sanguine (the nearest heraldic tincture to maroon) and argent (white) the Army Medical Department colors. The Chausse Gate of Verdun (from the Verdun medal) and the three mullets (stars) represent the four major engagements in which the predecessor organization participated during World War I, its chief engagement being in the vicinity of Verdun. The rattlesnake is for Mexican Border service. The Fort Dearborn Block House represents one of the earliest and most famous of the military establishments of the United States in the Northwest Territory. While not the first place in Illinois to have an American garrison, it was in reality the first permanent fort established.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 108th Medical Regiment on 15 June 1927. It was redesignated for the 108th Medical Battalion on 18 September 1942. The insignia was amended to change the description on 23 May 1969. It was amended effective 1 September 2008, to update the description and symbolism.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Per bend Sanguine and Argent, in chief between three mullets the Chausse Gate of Verdun, all Or, and in base a rattlesnake coiled to strike Proper.

Crest

That for the regiments of the Illinois Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent and Sanguine upon a grassy field the blockhouse of old Fort Dearborn Proper.

Motto

SERVAMUS (We Conserve).

Symbolism

Shield

The shield is sanguine (the nearest heraldic tincture to maroon) and argent (white) the Army Medical Department colors. The Chausse Gate of Verdun (from the Verdun medal) and the three mullets (stars) represent the four major engagements in which the predecessor organization participated during World War I, its chief engagement being in the vicinity of Verdun. The rattlesnake is for Mexican Border service.

Crest

The crest is that of the Illinois Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 108th Medical Regiment on 15 June 1927. It was redesignated for the 108th Medical Battalion on 18 September 1942. The insignia was cancelled on 23 May 1969. It was reinstated effective 1 September 2008, for the 108th Medical Battalion.





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