176TH SUPPORT BATTALION
Skip Navigation Links.
Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 (3.18cm) inches in height overall consisting of a crimson disc bearing at its center a gold wildcat's head "jessant-de-lis" (with fleur-de-lis passing through its mouth) surmounting in base two stylized black wrenches pilewise, all encircled by a continuous blue scroll divided with two folds, the upper portion inscribed "THE BEST SERVES THE REST" in gold letters and in base three white stars.

Symbolism
The color crimson is used for maintenance, the black and yellow for tank destroyers; they have been combined to indicate the former designations of the organization. The wildcat's head represents the shoulder sleeve insignia of the tank destroyer forces; the fleur-de-lis symbolizes European service and represents the organization's five battle honors - Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ardennes-Alsace during World War II. The stylized wrenches allude to the unit's previous mission of maintenance, while the blue circular scroll and three white stars are suggested by the State flag of Tennessee.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 176th Maintenance Battalion on 3 January 1978. It was redesignated effective 1 September 2006, for the 176th Support Battalion with the description and symbolism updated.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Per chevron reversed Gules (Crimson) and Azure, on a chevron reversed Or, a pair of open end wrenches jaws to chief Sable, between in chief a wildcat face jessant-de-lis of the third, and three mullets in base two and one Argent.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Tennessee Army National Guard: From a wreath Or and Gules (Crimson), upon a mount Vert a hickory tree Proper charged with three mullets one and two Argent.

Motto

THE BEST SERVES THE REST.

Symbolism

Shield

The color crimson is used for maintenance, the black and yellow for tank destroyers; they have been combined to indicate the former designations of the organization. The wildcat's head represents the shoulder sleeve insignia of the tank destroyer forces; the fleur-de-lis symbolizes European service and represents the organization's five battle honors - Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ardennes-Alsace during World War II. The stylized wrenches allude to the unit's previous mission of maintenance, while the blue circular scroll and three white stars are suggested by the State flag of Tennessee.

Crest

The crest is that of the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 176th Maintenance Battalion on 24 February 1998. It was redesignated effective 1 September 2006, for the 176th Support Battalion with the symbolism of the shield updated.





Jump to Top