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304TH MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/16inches (2.70 cm) in height overall consisting of an open black isosceles triangle with point up and a gold vine leaf within it, surmounted below the apex and extending beyond laterally, a horizontal white diamond bearing a Korean taeguk, and issuing from base, inclined with the triangle and below the diamond, two red lightning flashes, all below a blue scroll of three arcs terminating at the lower sides of the flashes and inscribed "HONOR VIGILANCE DUTY" in gold letters.

Symbolism
The diamond and taeguk simulate an eye and the lighting flashes connote technology; together they represent the vigilance, celerity and communication of Army Security. They also allude to the lineage and service of the organization, World War II and Korea. The vine leaf refers to the Rhine Province and denotes the unit's participation in the Rhineland Campaign. The taeguk represents Korea where the unit participated in six campaigns. It is also used to symbolize the award of the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer inscribed "KOREA." Black is used on the triangle to connote iron and refers to the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Streamer awarded the organization with the inscription "THE IRON TRIANGLE."

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 304th Army Security Agency Battalion on 29 April 1976. It was redesignated for the 304th Military Intelligence Battalion on 2 May 1990.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Azure (Oriental Blue), a voided isosceles triangle point up Sable enclosing a vine leaf Or and surmounted in chief by a lozenge fesswise Argent bearing a Korean taeguk, all between two lightning flashes, points up Gules, fimbriated Or.

Crest

From a wreath Or and Azure (Oriental Blue) a demi-griffin of the last armed and langued Gules grasping in dexter claws a dagger Or, all within a laurel wreath of the like.

Motto

HONOR, VIGILANCE, DUTY.

Symbolism

Shield

The diamond and taeguk simulate an eye and the lighting flashes connote technology; together they represent the vigilance, celerity and communication of Army Security. They also allude to the lineage and service of the organization, World War II and Korea. The vine leaf refers to the Rhine Province and denotes the unit's participation in the Rhineland Campaign. The taeguk represents Korea where the unit participated in six campaigns. It is also used to symbolize the award of the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer inscribed "KOREA." Black is used on the triangle to connote iron and refers to the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Streamer awarded the organization with the inscription "THE IRON TRIANGLE."

Crest

Oriental blue represents the Military Intelligence Branch. The griffin, a traditional symbol of intelligence, resourcefulness, and courage, emphasizes the qualities required of battalion personnel and recalls European theaters of operation. Its claws and tongue are scarlet, denoting courage and sacrifice. It holds a dagger, a reference to the dangers of covert activities and a symbol of preparedness. The wreath refers to all honors and achievements associated with the unit during its outstanding history. Gold signifies excellence.

Background
The coat of arms was approved on 17 September 1996.





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