57TH TRANSPORTATION BATTALION

 

 

Distinctive Unit Insignia.  Description:   A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height consisting of a red equilateral triangle charged with a gold Philippine sea lion, the dexter paw grasping a sword, the triangle within a blue ring and in front of two gold quills, the nibs crossed beneath the base of the triangle and touching the inner rim of the ring, and the stems curving upward and outward behind the triangle and crossing the ring all surmounting a gold Philippine sun, the tips of the rays extending beyond the ring, the ends of the quills curled behind the two horizontal rays and the ring bearing at the top the word "PROVIDING" and in base the words "WITH MOBILITY" in gold letters.

        Symbolism: Brick red and gold are the colors for Transportation and the blue ring alludes to the Quartermaster insignia wheel and signifies the unit's descent, while the sun's rays, extending beyond the ring, simulates the wheel of the Transportation Corps insignia.  The sun also denotes the area of action of the organization against an enemy, while the triangle and sea lion, suggested by the Philippine President's flag, refers to the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Honor awarded the unit during World War II, the quills are representative of authority, and symbolize the command and supervision aspects of the organization.

        Background:  The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 8 May 1967.  It was amended on to change the description on 13 June 1967. 

 

Coat of Arms.

        Blazon:

                Shield: Gules (Brick Red) a stylized sun Or superimposed by an equilateral triangle Gules bearing a sea lion rampant grasping in dexter claw a sword of the second; in base two quills saltirewise of the second braced with an annulet Azure fimbriated of the second.

                Crest:  From a wreath Or and Gules (Brick Red) all upon a wreath of palm, fourteen demi-spears with bamboo shafts Proper radiating from an escutcheon Gules.

                Motto:  PROVIDING WITH MOBILITY.    

        Symbolism: 

                Shield:  Brick red and golden yellow are the colors for transportation and the blue ring alludes to the Quartermaster insignia wheel and signifies the unit's descent and simulates the wheel of the Transportation Corps insignia.  The sun also denotes the area of action of the organization in World War II; while the triangle and sea lion, suggested by the Philippine President's flag, refers to the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Honor awarded to the unit during World War II.  The quills are representative of authority and symbolize the command and supervision aspects of the organization.

                Crest:  The spears commemorate the unit's fourteen campaigns in Vietnam.  The configuration of the spears alludes to the spokes of a wheel highlighting mobility and transportation.  Their bamboo shafts refer to the area of Vietnam.  The red shield represents the Meritorious Unit Commendation the Battalion earned.  The red shield and its color symbolize defense and courage.  The palm fronds highlight the tropical nature of Southeast Asia.

        Background:  The coat of arms was originally approved on 12 October 1999.