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13TH AVIATION REGIMENT
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in width overall consisting of a silver winged sword in front of an equilateral triangle (1 inch sides) with the base of the triangle divided vertically throughout by a 9/32 inch (.71 cm) wide blue bar, with two areas on each side with the upper portion yellow and the lower portion red, all above a silver scroll bearing the inscription "SWIFT AND DEADLY" in blue letters.

Symbolism
The winged sword refers to the combat aviation mission of the organization.  The equilateral triangle (or Delta) alludes to the Mekong River Delta, where the organization served in Vietnam.  The colors blue, red and yellow symbolize the three basic combat branches incorporated in airmobile warfare:  Infantry (highly mobile ground troops delivered to their objective by air), Artillery (aerial rockets and grenades, heavy fire power delivered from the air), and Cavalry (speed and mobility).  The vertical winged sword and the three colors also allude to "13," the unit's numerical designation.  The blue bar further refers to the Presidential Unit (Distinguished Unit) Citation awarded the organization.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 13th Aviation Battalion on 7 November 1967.  It was amended to correct the symbolism on 15 October 1970.  It was amended to change the motto on 3 February 1986.  The insignia was redesignated for the 13th Aviation Regiment on 10 February 1988.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Per chevron Tenn and Azure, in base a pale per pale Or and Gules and overall a winged sword Argent.

Crest

On a wreath of the colors Argent and Tenn in front of a hawk's head Proper a demi-cross pate convex at center Or charged with three pallets Gules and radiant between the areas with ears and leaves of rice all Gold.

Motto

SWIFT AND DEADLY.

Symbolism

Shield

Blue and golden orange are the colors of the Army Aviation branch.  The winged sword refers to the combat aviation mission of the organization.  The equilateral triangle (top portion shown) alludes to the Mekong River Delta, where the organization served in Vietnam.  The colors blue, red and yellow symbolize the three basic combat branches incorporated in airmobile warfare:  Infantry (highly mobile ground troops delivered to their objective by air), Artillery (aerial rockets and grenades, heavy fire power delivered from the air), and Cavalry (speed and mobility).  The vertical winged sword and the three colors also allude to "13," the unit's numerical designation.  The blue bar further refers to the Presidential Unit (Distinguished Unit) Citation and the Valorous Unit Award earned by the organization.

Crest

The air mobile mission of the unit is symbolized by the hawk, a strong, swift and fierce bird, with keen eyesight.  The gold cross pate refers to the numerous awards of the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the three red vertical stripes are adapted from the flag of the Republic of Vietnam, location of the unit's combat participation.  Vietnam is also symbolized by the stalks of rice.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 13th Aviation Battalion on 3 February 1986.  It was redesignated for the 13th Aviation Regiment and amended to change the color of the wreath on 10 February 1988.





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