720th Military Police Battalion, US Army
720TH MILITARY POLICE BATTALION, US ARMY
 (Coat of Arms) |
 (Distinctive Unit Insignia) |
Official blazon
Shield: Vert, a dexter gauntlet in fess Or grasping an imp head to base, Sable.
Crest: From a wreath Or and Vert, in front of two swords points up to saltirewise Proper, a stylized Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Or charged with a Philippine sea-lion Sable; overall a wreath of laurel proper garnished Gules.
Motto: ORDERLY REGULATION.
Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold color metal and enamel insignia 1 5/32 inches (2.94cm) in height consisting of a shield blazoned: Vert, a dexter gauntlet in fess Or grasping an imp, head to base, Sable. Attached below the shield a Gold color metal scroll inscribed "ORDERLY REGULATION" in Green enamel letters
Origin/meaning
Shield: The golden restraining hand grasping the inverted black imp, which is symbolical of a petty devil or malignant spirit, is symbolical of the restraining functions of the organization, implying the means by which undesirable factions are kept under control. Crest: The cross recalls the Cross of Gallantry awarded the unit for outstanding service in Vietnam. The sea-lion refers to the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation awarded for service between 1944 and 1945. The wreath represents honor and achievement. The drawn swords denote readiness and recall the many campaigns in which the 720th Military Police Battalion has distinguished itself. Black signifies strength and resolve. Gold symbolizes excellence, and with green represents the Military Police branch. The motto, "ORDERLY REGULATION" is expressive of the determination of the personnel to regulate with order, and alludes to the charges on the shield.
The arms were originally approved on 2 May 1952. It was cancelled on 19 July 1973. On 11 August 1999 the Coat of Arms was reinstated and amended to include a Crest. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved 2 May 1952.
Literature: Images and Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.