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56TH SIGNAL 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 shield and crest blazoned: Shield: Tenn, on a bend Argent three pallets and a billet Sable. Crest: On a wreath Argent and Tenn the head of Mercury Proper couped at the neck. Attached below the shield a black motto scroll inscribed "DEBIT VERBUM TRANSIRE" in silver letters. The translation of the motto is: The message Must Go Through.

Symbolism
Orange and white are colors traditionally associated with the Signal Corps. The three pellets and billet resemble the letter "V" in the Morse code and symbolize signal communication functions, and is a pun on the "V" for the victory sign, popular at the time the 56th Signal Battalion was organized. The head of Mercury, the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology, suggests the unit's mission to relay information.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved on 10 Oct 1941. It was amended on 25 Oct 1991 to revise the description and symbolism.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Tenn, on a bend Argent three pellets and a billet Sable.

Crest

From a wreath of the colors, Argent and Tenn, the head of Mercury couped Proper.

Motto

DEBIT VERBUM TRANSIRE (The Message Must Go Through)

Symbolism

Shield

Orange and white are colors traditionally associated with the Signal Corps. Black denotes dependability and stability and in conjunction with white, denotes day and night capabilities. The three pellets and billet suggest the letter "V" in Morse code and refer to the "V" symbolizing "victory for the democracies."

Crest

Mercury was the messenger of the Gods in Greek and Roman mythology and personifies the unit's mission.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved on 10 Oct 1941. It was cancelled on 25 Oct 1991. On 10 Jun 1992 the coat of arms was reinstated with blazon and symbolism revised.





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