Description: A silver color metal and enamel
device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of
a shield blazoned: Per bend Argent and Azure, a fleur-de-lis,
in dexter chief counterchanged, above in dexter base a sea lion
holding in its dexter paw a sword palewise of the second and
in sinister chief a Korean bell of the second garnished white.
Attached below the shield is a silver scroll inscribed "SIEMPRE
ADELANTE".
Symbolism: The service of the former organization,
the 223d Armored Infantry Battalion, is indicated by the colors
blue and white which represents Infantry. The fleur-de-lis, taken
from the canton of the 185th Infantry Regiment, alludes to the
descent of the 223d Armored Infantry Battalion from the 2d Battalion
of that organization and also symbolizes the battalion’s
World War I service. The sea lion represent service in the Philippines
during World War II. The bell, for which Korea is noted, is for
service in that country during that conflict.
Background: The insignia was originally approved
for the 223d Armored Infantry Battalion on 13 Jun 1956. It was
rescinded on 5 Jul 1961. On 29 Oct 1997 the description and symbolism
was revised and authorized for the 223d Regiment.
Unauthorized
Distictive Unit Insignia
When the regiment was formed from the
2nd Battalion of the 185th Infantry Regiment, it designed the
insignia above. It is not known if this was approved by the Army,
but it was widely worn by the regiment until it was broken up
to form Armored Infantry Battalions. Blue is the color of infantry.
The crown represents Pasadena, the "Crown City". The
numeral 7 represents the 7th California Infantry, indicating
decent from that regiment. The twelve point star repesents the
40th Infantry Division. The setting sun is taken from the crest
of the California Army National Guard and represents California
Coat
of Arms
Shield: Per
bend Argent and Azure, a fleur-de-lis, in dexter chief counterchanged,
above in dexter base a sea lion holding in its dexter paw a sword
palewise of the second and in sinister chief a Korean bell of
the second garnished white.
Crest:
That for the regiments and separate battalions of the California
Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent and Azure, the setting
sun behind a grizzly bear passant on a grassy field all proper.
Motto:
SIEMPER ADELANTE (Always Forward).
Symbolism:
Shield:
The service of the former organization, the 223d Armored Infantry
Battalion, is indicated by the colors blue and white which represents
Infantry. The fleur-de-lis, taken from the canton of the 185th
Infantry Regiment, alludes to the descent of the 223d Armored
Infantry Battalion from the 2d Battalion of that organization
and also symbolizes the battalion’s World War I service.
The sea lion represents service in the Philippines during World
War II. The bell, for which Korea is noted, is for service in
that country during that conflict.
Crest:
The crest is that of the California Army National Guard.
Background:
The coat of arms was originally authorized for the 223d Armored
Infantry Battalion on 13 Jun 1956. It was rescinded on 5 Jul
1961. On 29 Oct 1997 the blazon and symbolism was revised and
authorized for the 223d Regiment
California State Military
Department
