101st Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard

101ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Argent, a saltire Gules cantonned by in chief a cross patée, in base a five-bastioned fort both of the like, dexter three fleur-de-lis in bend Azure, sinister the same in bend sinister.
Crest. That for Regiments and Separate battalions of the Massachusetts Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent and Gules, a dexter arm embowed, clothed Blue and ruffed White Proper
the hand grasping a broad sword Argent the pommel and hilt Or.
Motto: Semper Paratus

Origin/meaning

The Saltire symbolises Civil War Service. The Red Maltese Cross was the badge of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division of the 5th corps during that War. The fort was the badge of the Provisional Division of the 5th Corps during the Spanish-American War. The fleur-de-lis symbolises the six major campaigns the regiment took part in during World War I. The Crest is that for Regiments and Separate Battalions of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The Motto translates as "Always prepared". The arms were approved for the 101st Infantry, Massachusetts National Guard on 5 February 1924. It was amended for the 101st Regiment Infantry, Massachusetts Army National Guard on 27 July 1927. On 25 March 1997 the Coat of Arms was redesignated, with description and symbolism revised to the 101st Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Literature: The Institute of Heraldry, US Army