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309TH REGIMENT
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Silver metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Argent, on a bend Azure three crosses patee Sable fimbriated Argent, in chief the insignia of the 78th Division and in base a mermaid both Proper. Attached below the shield a Blue scroll inscribed "ESSE QUAM VIDERI" in Silver letters.

Symbolism
Blue and white are the colors used for Infantry, the original unit designation. The shoulder sleeve insignia of the 78th Infantry Division represents the Regiment's service with that Division during World War I. The three crosses patee allude to the battle honors awarded the unit for service during World War I - St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne and Lorraine. The mermaid is used to indicate Southern New Jersey which is surrounded by beaches and is the place where the unit was organized in 1917.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 309th Infantry, Organized Reserves on 11 December 1923. It was redesignated for the 309th Regiment, Army Reserve on 30 January 1962.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Argent, on a bend Azure three crosses patee Sable fimbriated Argent, in chief the insignia of the 78th Division and in base a mermaid both Proper.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: On a wreath of the colors (Argent and Azure) 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

ESSE QUAM VIDERI (To Be Rather Than To Seem).

Symbolism

Shield

Blue and white are the colors used for Infantry, the original unit designation. The shoulder sleeve insignia of the 78th Infantry Division represents the Regiment's service with that Division during World War I. The three crosses patee allude to the battle honors awarded the unit for service during World War I - St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne and Lorraine. The mermaid is used to indicate Southern New Jersey which is surrounded by beaches and is the place where the unit was organized in 1917.

Crest

The crest is that of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 309th Infantry, Organized Reserves on 25 May 1923. It was redesignated for the 309th Regiment, Army Reserve on 30 January 1962.





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