U.S. Army / U.S. Army Heraldry / Unit Insignia / Distinctive Unit Insignia, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Coat of Arms / Engineer / 578 Engineer Battalion /

578TH ENGINEER BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description
A Silver color and metal device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Per saltire Gules and Argent, a fess Celeste, overall an arrowhead point up of the second between in chief a Lorraine cross of the like and in base a fleur-de-lis Buff fimbriated White.

Symbolism
Red and white are the colors for the Corps of Engineers.  The Lorraine cross represents battle honors awarded the organization for service as Engineers during World War I and the fleur-de-lis in buff for service as Quartermaster during World War II.  The bar in the color of the Korean service ribbon symbolizes service in that area.  The arrowhead alludes to an assault landing in Africa.  The motto translates to Build To Fight.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 132d Armored Engineer Battalion on 20 December 1954.  It was redesignated for the 132d Engineer Battalion on 23 February 1961.  It was rescinded/cancelled on 14 February 1975.  The insignia was reinstated and redesignated for the 578th Engineer Battalion on 14 August 1998.




Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms

Blazon

Shield

Per saltire Gules and Argent, a fess Celeste, overall an arrowhead point up of the second between in chief a Lorraine cross of the like and in base a fleur-de-lis Buff fimbriated White.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the California Army National Guard:  From a wreath Argent and Gules, the setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant on a grassy field all Proper.

Motto

AEDIFICATE AD PUGNANDUM (Build To Fight).

Symbolism

Shield

Red and white are the colors for the Corps of Engineers.  The Lorraine cross represents battle honors awarded the organization for service as Engineers during World War I and the fleur-de-lis in buff for service as Quartermaster during World War II.  The bar in the color of the Korean service ribbon symbolizes service in that area.  The arrowhead alludes to an assault landing in Africa.

Crest

The crest is that of the California Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 132d Armored Engineer Battalion on 20 December 1954.  It was redesignated for the 132d Engineer Battalion on 23 February 1961.  It was rescinded/cancelled on 14 February 1975.  The insignia was reinstated and redesignated for the 578th Engineer Battalion on 14 August 1998.





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