U.S. Army / U.S. Army Heraldry / Unit Insignia / Distinctive Unit Insignia, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Coat of Arms / Medical & Veterinary / 429 Medical Battalion /

429TH MEDICAL BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02cm) in height overall consisting of a Maroon cross surmounted by a Silver disc emitting crosswise four Silver demi-fleurs-de-lis and bearing on a smaller Blue disc a Silver unicorn's head; all between two Silver scrolls, the upper scroll inscribed "TO SERVE" and the lower "OUR DEFENDERS" in blue letters.

Symbolism
The cross and the unicorn stand for the Battalion. The cross is a symbol of service and physical care; it refers to the organization's mission of medical support. The fabulous unicorn, powerful and swift creature of mythology, symbolizes strength, wisdom and virtue. The horn of the unicorn was thought to possess an antidote against poison and was credited with extraordinary healing powers. The four fleurs-de-lis stand for the Battalion's participation in four campaigns in Europe during World War II. The color blue denotes truth, fidelity and tranquility; it also refers to the sea and the wide horizons of the Battalion's home area. The colors maroon and white (silver) are used for units of the U.S. Army Medical Department.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 18 Sep 1970.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Argent, on a cross Sanguine, a plate radiating four demi-fleurs-de-lis crosswise of the first bearing a hurt charged with a unicorn's head erased of the first.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: From a wreath Argent and Sanguine, the Lexington Minute Man Proper. The statue of the Minute Man, Captain John Parker (H.H. Kitson, sculptor), stands on the common in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Motto

TO SERVE OUR DEFENDERS

Symbolism

Shield

Maroon and white are traditionally used by the Medical Corps. Blue denotes loyalty and truth. The cross is a symbol of service and physical care; it refers to the organization's mission of medical support. The unicorn, powerful and swift creature of mythology, symbolizes strength, wisdom and virtue. The horn of the unicorn was thought to possess an antidote against poison and was credited with extraordinary healing powers. The four fleurs-de-lis stand for the Battalion's participation in four campaigns in Europe during World War II.

Crest

The crest is that of the United States Army Reserve.

Background
The coat of arms was approved on 17 Apr 2001.





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