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173D ENGINEER BATTALION (OBSOLETE INSIGNIA)
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Distinctive Unit Insignia

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in width overall consisting of a gold Philippine sun charged to base with a torteaux itself charged with a gold wavy base bearing two green wavy bars below two gold bars saltirewise enhanced couped; all surmounted by and between two blue fleurs-de-lis and attached above a gold scroll turned gold and inscribed SOLDIERS OF THE GREAT RIVER in red letters.

Symbolism
The saltire, representing crossed sticks, symbolizes the strong support offered by the 426th Engineer Battalion and also alludes to the fast game lacrosse adopted from the North American Indian, and namesake La Crosse, Wisconsin where the unit was organized.  The gold and green wavy bars symbolize the Mississippi and the La Crosse Rivers and also reflect the green woodlands of the units home area.  The fleurs-de-lis refer to combat service in France during World War I.  The colors green and red also allude to the French Croix de Guerre with Palm awarded the unit during World War I.  The Philippine sun rays symbolize service in the Pacific in World War II and specifically the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 426th Engineer Battalion on 7 March 1969. It was redesignated for the 173d Engineer Battalion on 8 June 1998.  It was cancelled on 21 November 2014.




Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms

Blazon

Shield

Gules, between two flaunches Argent, each bearing a fleur-de-lis Azure, a Philippine sun Or charged at center with a saltire enhanced of the first above three bars wavy Vert.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Wisconsin Army National Guard:  From a wreath Argent and Gules, a badger couchant Proper.

Motto

SOLDIERS OF THE GREAT RIVER.

Symbolism

Shield

The saltire, representing crossed sticks, symbolizes the strong support offered by the unit and also alludes to the fast game lacrosse adopted from the North American Indian, and namesake La Crosse, Wisconsin where the unit was organized.  The gold and green wavy bars symbolize the Mississippi and the La Crosse Rivers and also reflect the green woodlands of the units home area.  The fleurs-de-lis refer to combat service in France during World War I.  The colors green and red also allude to the French Croix de Guerre with Palm awarded the unit during World War I.  The Philippine sun rays symbolize service in the Pacific in World War II and specifically the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Crest

The crest is that of the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was approved for the 173d Engineer Battalion on 22 July 1998.  It was cancelled on 21 November 2014.





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