61ST INFANTRY

Authorised 10 June 1931

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/32 inches (2.78cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, a pale wavy Argent charged with a fusil Gules, on a canton embattled of the second a field gun of the third on a mount Vert.

This regiment was organized in June 1917 from the 7th Infantry and participated in World War I in the 5th Division, the insignia of which is carried on the shield. The wavy pale represents the Meuse River, the crossing of which near Dun in November 1918 was the outstanding operation of the regiment.

The distinctive unit insignia was approved in 10 Jun 1931. Coat of Arms

Authorised 9 June 1920

Azure, a pale wavy Argent charged with a fusil Gules. On a canton embattled of the second a field gun of the third on a mount Vert. On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure a lion rampant Sable armed and langued Gules grasping in his dexter paw the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 5th Division Proper. THE BEST LEAD THE REST.

This regiment was organized in June 1917 from the 7th Infantry and participated in World War I in the 5th Division, the insignia of which is carried on the shield and also the crest. The wavy pale represents the Meuse River, the crossing of which near Dun in November 1918 was the outstanding operation of the regiment. The lion of the crest is taken from the arms of Montmédy, the nearest place to Dun having a coat of arms.

The coat of arms was originally approved in 9 Jun 1920. It was amended on 16 Jul 1920 to change the wording in the blazon of the shield. On 25 Oct 1965 the coat of arms was amended to add a motto.