218th Field Artillery Regimental DUI:
Description: A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Gules, on a fess wavy Or, between in chief three bezants, the dexter charged with a barred arrow, the sinister with a fleur-de-lis both of the first, and the middle with a lion rampant Sable, and in base a pale wavy of the second, a heraldic rose of the field garnished Gold. Attached below and to the sides is a Gold scroll inscribed "PER ANGUSTA AD AUGUSTA" in Black letters.
Symbolism: The colors red and yellow are used for Artillery.
The barred arrow (the insignia for the 32nd Division) is used to
represent combat service during World War I and appears on the coat
of arms of the 147th Field Artillery Regiment, with which the unit
(as then organized) was serving. The fleur-de-lis symbolizes combat
service in France and Central Europe during World War II. The lion
rampant refers to the Battle of the Bulge for which the battalion
was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation. The wavy fess and pale
are used to indicate the juncture of the Willamette and Columbia
Rivers. The rose alludes to Portland (the "Rose City"), the home
area of the unit.
Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally
approved for the 965th Field Artillery Battalion, Oregon National
Guard on 28 February 1955. It was redesignated for the 218th
Artillery, Oregon National Guard on 7 June 1960. It was amended to
correct the motto on 7 April 1969. The insignia was redesignated for
the 218th Field Artillery on 24 July 1972.
Motto: PER ANGUSTA AD AUGUSTA (Through Difficulties To Things Of Honor).
Thanks to The Institute of Heraldry, Dept of the Army http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/