23rd Infantry Regiment

Authorised 29 October 1924

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Parti per chevron wavy Azure and Argent in dexter chief a cross patée of the second in sinister chief a sea lion with sword in dexter paw of the like langued Gules in base a northern hemisphere with a transport in each ocean both sailing from east to west, all Proper. Attached below the shield a silver scroll inscribed "WE SERVE" in Blue letters.

The shield is blue and white, the colors of Infantry. The Civil War service is indicated by the white cross of the 5th Corps and the early Philippine service by the sea lion taken from the seal of Manila. The Mont Blanc Campaign of October 1918 in World War I is commemorated by the outline of the lower half of the shield. The Regiment has the unique distinction of being the first American regiment to circumnavigate the globe and this is indicated in the base of the shield.

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved on 29 October 1924. It was amended on 6 August 1968 to add the motto. It was amended to update the description and symbolism on 12 June 2009. Coat of Arms

Authorised 29 October 1924

Party per chevron wavy Azure and Argent in dexter chief a cross pattée of the second in sinister chief a sea lion with sword in dexter paw of the like langued Gules in base a northern hemisphere with a transport in each ocean both sailing from east to west, all Proper. On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure a fleur-de-lis in front of two crossed arrows of the first surmounted palewise by a sword-breaker with seven barbs Sable charged at the hilt with a taeguk Proper all in front of and within an open laurel wreath Vert. WE SERVE.

The shield is blue and white, the present and old Infantry colors. Civil War service is indicated by the white cross of the V Corps, and Philippine Insurrection service by the sea lion taken from the seal of Manila. The Mont Blanc operation of October 1918 in World War I is commemorated by the outline of the lower half of the shield. The 23d Infantry has the unique distinction of being the first American regiment to circumnavigate the globe and this accomplishment is indicated in the base of the shield. The seven barbs of the sword-breaker (a medieval close combat weapon) and the red and blue taeguk upon its hilt are symbolic of the seven Presidential Unit Citations awarded to the unit in Europe during World War II and in the Korean War. The fleur-de-lis refers to the four awards of the French Croix de Guerre during World War I, three with palm, which are symbolized by the encircling laurel wreath. The arrows allude to participation in the Indian Wars.

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved on 29 October 1924. It was amended on 6 August 1968 to add the motto. It was amended to update the description and symbolism on 12 June 2009. Coat of Arms