61st Medical Battalion, US Army
61ST MEDICAL BATTALION, US ARMY
Official blazon
Shield: Argent, on a mound Vert between two oak trees Proper, fructed of the field, each entwined with a serpent respecting each other Proper, eyed and langued sanguine, a unicorn rampant of the last.
Crest: From a wreath Argent and Vert two palm branches saltirewise Proper, surmounted by a tower Argent masoned and charged with a cross pommé Gules issuing fourteen rays Or.
Motto: INEST CLEMENTIA FORTI (Mercy Is Inherent In The Brave).
Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height, consisting of a shield blazoned: Argent, on a mound Vert between two oak trees Proper, fructed of the field, each entwined with a serpent respecting each other Proper, eyed and langued sanguine, a unicorn rampant of the last. Attached below, a triparted scroll inscribed "INEST CLEMENTIA FORTI" in black letters.
Origin/meaning
Shield: Maroon and white are colors traditionally associated with the Medical Corps. The functions of the unit are represented by the unicorn whose horn, in ancient times, was regarded as a sovereign cure for many diseases and an antidote against all poisons. The oak trees are symbolic of the sturdy growth of the Battalion. The entwined serpents are representative of the serpents of the Staff of Aesculapius, the mythological Greek God of Medicine. The green grass alludes to Kentucky, where the unit was activated and thoroughbred horses are raised.
Crest: The tower symbolizes strength and commemorates the unit's World War II decorations earned for the European Theater and the two campaigns in France. The cross highlights medical care; red denotes sacrifice and bravery and alludes to the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The palm fronds honor the unit's Meritorious Unit Commendation awarded for Vietnam, while the fourteen rays underscore the battalion's campaign there. The palms also refer to the unit's Croix de Guerre for Normandy Beaches.
The arms were originally approved for the 61st Medical Battalion on 13 January 1943. It was rescinded on 22 December 1965. The arms were reinstated for the 61st Medical Battalion on 10 December 1992. On 19 February 1999 the Coat of Arms was amended to add a Crest. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved on 13 January 1943. It was rescinded on 22 December 1965. The insignia was reinstated on 2 March 1966. On 15 January 1993 the description and symbolism was amended.
Literature: Image from Wikimedia Commons. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army
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