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161ST INFANTRY REGIMENT
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Argent, a bend embattled to chief Gules and Azure, the parting line parallel to the lower edge of the ordinary, in sinister chief a fleur-de-lis of the third (Azure) rayed with bolts of lightning Tenn and in dexter base a scorpion bendways Proper.  Attached above the shield on a wreath Argent and Azure, a raven with wings endorsed issuing out of a ducal coronet all Proper.  Attached below and to the sides of the shield a bipartite Gold scroll inscribed "FIRST IN WAR" to dexter and "FIRST IN PEACE" to sinister.

Symbolism
The shield is white the old Infantry color and across it is a bend in the colors of the Philippine flag, red and blue, embattled to indicate that the Regiment was engaged in actual combat in the Philippine Insurrection.  The scorpion indicates service on the Mexican Border and the fleur-de-lis is symbolic of the service of the Regiment in France.  The fleur-de-lis is rayed to indicate that the Regiment was broken up and the personnel thereof used as replacements but which in that capacity delivered forcible and effective service.  The crest is that of George Washington.  The state of Washington is a part of the Oregon Territory whose American title was established in 1846.  The Territory is purely American and the twists in the wreath are white and blue.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 9 October 1926.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Argent, a bend embattled to chief Gules and Azure, the parting line parallel to the lower edge of the ordinary, in sinister chief a fleur-de-lis of the third (Azure) rayed with bolts of lightning Tenn and in dexter base a scorpion bendways Proper.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Washington Army National Guard:  On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure, a raven with wings endorsed issuing out of a ducal coronet all Proper.

Motto

FIRST IN WAR FIRST IN PEACE.

Symbolism

Shield

The shield is white the old Infantry color and across it is a bend in the colors of the Philippine flag, red and blue, embattled to indicate that the Regiment was engaged in actual combat in the Philippine Insurrection.  The scorpion indicates service on the Mexican Border and the fleur-de-lis is symbolic of the service of the Regiment in France.  The fleur-de-lis is rayed to indicate that the Regiment was broken up and the personnel thereof used as replacements but which in that capacity delivered forcible and effective service.

Crest

The crest is that of the Washington Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was approved on 7 May 1925.  It was amended to change the motto from "Defending His Country" on 25 November 1925.





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