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

16TH ANTIAIRCRAFT ARTILLERY GUN BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Or two spears in saltire Gules, within a bordure embattled barry of eight Argent, of the second and Azure, repeated.

Symbolism
The shield is essentially Hawaiian.  The crossed spears are taken from Hawaiian history, they were formerly placed at the King's tent, and are shown conventionally in the Hawaiian arms by a saltire cross placed on an inescutcheon.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the Coast Defense of Honolulu on 25 July 1922.  It was amended to change the description on 6 December 1923.  The insignia was redesignated for the 16th Coast Artillery Regiment on 27 February 1929.  It was redesignated for the 16th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion on 11 September 1952.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Or two spears in saltire Gules, within a bordure embattled barry of eight Argent, of the second and Azure, repeated.   
    Crest:   On a wreath of the colors Or and Gules a representation of Diamond Head Gules.

Motto

KAPU (Keep Out).

Symbolism

Shield

The shield is essentially Hawaiian.  The crossed spears are taken from Hawaiian history, they were formerly placed at the King's tent, and are shown conventionally in the Hawaiian arms by a saltire cross placed on an inescutcheon.  The motto, probably the best know Hawaiian word, is used extensively as a sign against trespassers.

Crest

The batteries at Diamond Head constitute the principal element of these defenses.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the Coast Defense of Honolulu on 27 January 1922.  It was redesignated for the 16th Coast Artillery Regiment on 27 February 1929.  The insignia was redesignated for the 16th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion on 11 September 1952.





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