719th Transportation Battalion, US Army

719TH TRANSPORTATION BATTALION, US ARMY

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Per bend Or and Brick Red, upon a railroad track from center sinister fess to base throughout counterchanged a steam railroad engine affronté, irradiated of the last, on the second a semaphore of the first, arm to base, illuminated Vert.
Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: From a wreath Or and Brick Red, 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: SUNSET ROUTE TO VICTORY.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per bend Or and Brick Red, upon a railroad track from center sinister fess to base throughout counterchanged a steam railroad engine affronté, irradiated of the last, on the second a semaphore of the first, arm to base, illuminated Vert. Attached below the shield a Brick Red scroll inscribed "SUNSET ROUTE TO VICTORY" in Gold letters.

Origin/meaning

Brick red and golden yellow are the colors traditionally used by the Transportation Corps. The railway track and steam engine represent the functions of the organization in moving the Armed Forces on the route to victory. The successful completion of allotted duties is indicated by the semaphore showing a green "all clear" light.

The arms were originally approved for the 719th Railway Operating Battalion on 24 February 1943. It was redesignated for the 719th Transportation Battalion on 8 July 1954. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 719th Railway Operating Battalion on 24 February 1943. It was redesignated for the 719th Transportation Battalion on 8 July 1954.

Literature: Image from Wikimedia Commons and from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.