U.S. Army / U.S. Army Heraldry / Unit Insignia / Distinctive Unit Insignia, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Coat of Arms / Signal / 16 Signal Battalion /

16TH SIGNAL BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Tenn a fess wavy Azure fimbriated Argent, issuant from base palewise over all the heads of three Micronesian arrows with shafts barbed each of six of the third. Attached below the shield a Silver scroll inscribed "COMMUNICATIONS FIRST" in Blue letters.

Symbolism
The colors, orange and white, are for the Signal Corps. The arrowheads are of the type used in the Pacific area in which three assault landings were made. The wavy blue band is an allusion to the overseas location of the battalion at the time of its activation, and the total number of charges corresponds to the four battle honors earned by the organization.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 16th Signal Battalion Corps, on 11 July 1952. It was redesignated for the 16th Signal Battalion on 12 December 1958.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Tenn a fess wavy Azure fimbriated Argent, issuant from base palewise overall the heads of three Micronesian arrows with shafts barbed each of six of the third.

Crest

From a wreath Argent and Tenn a palm frond palewise Proper superimposed by two lightning bolts pilewise Gules, overall a sea lion Or langued Gules and holding in dexter fin a dagger Or.

Motto

COMMUNICATIONS FIRST.

Symbolism

Shield

The colors orange and white are for the Signal Corps. The arrowheads are of the type used in the Pacific area in which three assault landings were made. The wavy blue band is an allusion to the overseas location of the battalion at the time of its activation, and the total number of charges corresponds to the four battle honors earned by the organization.

Crest

World War II campaigns in the Philippines and the award of the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation are represented by the sea lion. The palm frond refers to New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. The lightning bolts allude to the unit's mission and signify speedy communications. Gold and scarlet respectively denote excellence and courage.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 16th Signal Battalion Corps on 11 July 1952. It was redesignated for the 16th Signal Battalion on 12 December 1958. The coat of arms was amended to include a crest on 23 December 1996.





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