U.S. Army / U.S. Army Heraldry / Unit Insignia / Distinctive Unit Insignia, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Coat of Arms / Transportation / 7 Transportation Battalion /

7TH TRANSPORTATION BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in height consisting of a gold cloud formation surmounted by a brick red Oriental dragon's head issuing from a wheel with white walled tire and black tread, the hub diagonally divided from upper left to lower right brick red and black and bearing on the division line a wavy diagonal gold band; the lower part of the tire surmounted by a gold scroll inscribed "Orient Express" in brick red letters.

Symbolism
The wheel refers to the Battalion's mission of providing motor transport. The hub commemorates the organization's service in World War II. The wavy band, representing the Rhine River, refers to the Rhineland campaign; the hub, the central part of the wheel, stands for service in Central Europe. The dragon's head refers to the Battalion's service in the Orient and to its motto. The gold (yellow) cloud, an Eastern symbol of good omen, symbolizes prosperity; the color red when used on yellow stands for loyalty. The cloud also alludes to the heavens from which Oriental dragons are believed to descend on auspicious occasions. The colors brick red and yellow are for the Transportation Corps.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 4 June 1968.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Or, a demi-dragon breathing fire Gules issuing from, in base, a wheel with whitewall tire Proper, the hub formed of a disc divided bendwise Gules and Sable charged with a bend wavy of the first; points to dexter and sinister chief engrailed Sable.

Crest

From a wreath Or and Gules a double-headed demi-axe of the second enclosed within an annulet of bamboo of the first.

Motto

ORIENT EXPRESS.

Symbolism

Shield

The wheel refers to the Battalion's traditional mission of providing motor transport. The wheel hub recalls the organization's World War II service; the hub stands for Central Europe, the bend represents the Rhine River. The dragon's head refers to the Battalion's service in the Orient and to the motto "Orient Express." The black engrailed corners in chief allude to the Battalion's history of participation in major conflicts since its inception. Red denotes courage and sacrifice, gold stands for excellence, white for integrity.

Crest

The annulet represents the two European campaigns and the thirteen Vietnam campaigns in which the Battalion engaged and also refers to the transport mission of the unit. The two Meritorious Unit Commendations awarded the Battalion for service in Vietnam are signified by the double axe head. Gold is for excellence, red for courage.

Background
The coat of arms was approved on 7 February 1996.





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