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204th Military Intelligence Battalion Coat of Arms

Description/Blazon Shield Azure (Oriental Blue), a double webbed key palewise with an arced lightning flash on either side connecting the web and bow and each flash enclosing a fleur-de-lis Argent and on the bow an ermine spot. Crest On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure (Oriental Blue) a dragon sejant with wings elevated and addorsed Gules armed and langued of the second spattered with seventeen mullets and grasping in his dexter claw three lightning flashes Or. Motto SILENTLY WE DEFEND.

Symbolism Shield Oriental blue is the primary color associated with Military Intelligence and a key is emblematic of authority and security. The double web and flashes represent the unit's concern for both overt and covert security communications. The flashes also denote celerity in operation procedures, as well as allude to the unit's Signal lineage. Initially designated the 3118th Signal Service Battalion, the unit participated in the Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns, World War II, represented by the fleurs-de-lis and ermine spot. The design has been adapted from the badge of its predecessor unit, the 502d Army Security Agency Battalion. Crest The dragon, a mythological beast renowned as a vigilant guardian and defender, symbolizes the heritage, mission and ideals of the unit. The red dragon alludes to the Meritorious Unit Commendation and service of elements of the battalion in Vietnam. Red emphasizes the unit's courage, determination and valor. The stars denote military preparedness and excellence in endeavors. Service during World War II in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe is represented by the three lightning flashes.

Background The coat of arms was approved on 5 October 1987.