Heraldry and Insignia of the California State Military Forces

144th Field Artillery Regiment

144th Artillery

225th Armored Field Artillery Battalion

981st Field Artillery Battalion

 

Distinctive Unit Insignia

 

Description: A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/16 inches (2.70 cm) in height overall consisting a shield blazoned: Per bend Or and Gules, in chief a fleur-de-lis of the second, in base a grizzly bear of the first passant. Attached below the shield is a Gold scroll inscribed “CONTENDIMUS” in Black letters.

 

Symbolism: The shield is divided red, the color of Artillery, and yellow, the color of Artillery guidon markings. The fleur-de-lis represents service in France and the bear alludes to the nickname of the organization. The motto translates to “We Strive.”

 

Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 144th Field Artillery Regiment on 30 January 1942. It was redesignated for the 981st Field Artillery Battalion on 10 January 1951. It was redesignated for the 225th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, California National Guard on 3 December 1954. It was redesignated for the 144th Artillery Regiment, California National Guard on 16 February 1941. The insignia was redesignated for the 144th Field Artillery Regiment on 28 August 1972.

 

 

Coat of Arms

 

Blazon:

Shield: Per bend Or and Gules, in chief a fleur-de-lis of the second, in base a grizzly bear of the first passant.

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

Motto: CONTENDIMUS (We Strive).

 

Symbolism:

Shield: The shield is divided red, the color of Artillery, and yellow, the color of Artillery guidon markings. The fleur-de-lis represents service in France and the bear alludes to the nickname of the organization.

Crest: The crest is that of the California Army National Guard.

 

Background: The coat of arms was originally approved for the 144th Field Artillery Regiment on 3 December 1941. It was redesignated for the 981st Field Artillery Battalion on 10 January 1951. It was redesignated for the 225th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, California National Guard on 3 December 1954. It was redesignated for the 144th Artillery Regiment, California National Guard on 16 February 1941. The insignia was redesignated for the 144th Field Artillery Regiment on 28 August 1972.

Battalion Color, 2d Battalion. 144th Field Artillery Regiment

 

© Walt Disney Co

An unoffical insignia of the 981st Field Artillery Battalion dating to the Second World War (Courtesy of David Kaufman)

 

 

 

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Updated 19 July 2017