457 Civil Affairs Battalion
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description
A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in width overall blazoned as follows: Purpure, on a vetû Argent (Silver Gray), two olive branches arched outwardly Vert, overall a sword erect, the grip Gules, pommel, hand guard and blade of the second, the blade’s tip enflamed of the fourth, superimposed on the blade a stylized shield Celeste fimbriated Argent, bearing an unfurled scroll, dexter and sinister, of the last, surmounted by a quill bendsinisterwise Argent (Silver Gray). Attached below the device, a Purple scroll inscribed “PEACE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE” in Silver.
Symbolism
Purple and white are the colors traditionally associated with Civil Affairs. The vetû (diamond) suggests the courageous nature of the Battalion’s service members. The olive branches behind the shield denote the unit’s all encompassing peace objective. The sword represents military readiness. The enflamed blade tip alludes to the Battalion’s relationship to United States Army Europe and future operations. The shield, adapted from the US Africa Command, signifies defense and the Battalion’s African missions. Light blue indicates reliability. The scroll and quill illustrates the aspects of the organization undertaking for both civilian and military.
Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved effective 16 September 2010.
Coat Of Arms
Blazon
Shield
Purpure, on a vetû Argent, two olive branches arched outwardly Vert, overall a sword erect, the grip Gules, pommel, hand guard and blade Argent (Silver Gray), the blade’s tip enflamed of the fourth, superimposed on the blade a stylized shield Celeste fimbriated of the second, bearing an unfurled scroll, dexter and sinister, of the last, surmounted by a quill bendsinisterwise Argent (Silver Gray).
Crest
That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: From a wreath Argent and Purpure, the Lexington Minute Man Proper. The statue of the Minute Man, Captain John Parker (H.H. Kitson, sculptor), stands on the common in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Motto
PEACE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE.
Symbolism
Shield
Purple and white are the colors traditionally associated with Civil Affairs. The vetû (diamond) suggests the courageous nature of the Battalion’s service members. The olive branches behind the shield denote the unit’s all encompassing peace objective. The sword represents military readiness. The enflamed blade tip alludes to the Battalion’s relationship to United States Army Europe and future operations. The shield, adapted from the US Africa Command, signifies defense and the Battalion’s African missions. Light blue indicates reliability. The scroll and quill illustrates the aspects of the organization undertaking for both civilian and military.
Crest
The crest is that of the United States Army Reserve.
Background
The coat of arms was approved effective 16 September 2010.