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138TH REGIMENT
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/16 inches (2.70 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Gules, a leopard courant in bend, head to chief Proper, eyed Vert. Attached below the shield is a yellow scroll inscribed "SEEK AND DESTROY" in Black.

Symbolism
The service of the former organization, then the 138th Armor, is symbolized by the golden leopard springing upon its prey, indicating the unit's ability to move swiftly, silently stalking its prey, then striking at the opportune moment with all the power and force at its command. It is felt that the animal most typical of this attack is the leopard-powerful, silent and swift, who by means of his cunning as well as his great strength has become known as the greatest of all hunters. The eye of the leopard is emerald green, symbolic of the ability to see and hunt in the night.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 638th Tank Destroyer Battalion on 14 September 1942. It was redesignated for the 138th Tank Battalion, Indiana National Guard on 14 December 1951. It was redesignated for the 138th Armor Regiment on 3 June 1960. The insignia was redesignated for the 138th Regiment with the description and symbolism revised on 12 June 1997.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Gules, a leopard courant in bend, head to chief Proper, eyed Vert.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Indiana Army National Guard: From a wreath Or and Gules, a demi-lion rampant Argent, holding in dexter paw a laurel branch Vert.

Motto

SEEK AND DESTROY.

Symbolism

Shield

The service of the former organization, then the 138th Armor, is symbolized by the golden leopard springing upon its prey, indicating the unit's ability to move swiftly, silently stalking its prey, then striking at the opportune moment with all the power and force at its command. It is felt that the animal most typical of this attack is the leopard-powerful, silent and swift, who by means of his cunning as well as his great strength has become known as the greatest of all hunters. The eye of the leopard is emerald green, symbolic of the ability to see and hunt in the night.

Crest

The crest is that of the Indiana Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 638th Tank Destroyer Battalion on 11 September 1942. It was redesignated for the 138th Tank Battalion, Indiana National Guard and amended to add the Indiana National Guard crest on 14 December 1951. It was redesignated for the 138th Armor Regiment on 3 June 1960. The insignia was redesignated for the 138th Regiment with the blazon and symbolism revised on 12 June 1997.





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