104th Infantry Regiment (United States)

The 104th Infantry Regiment traces its history to 14 November 1639, when it was first mustered as the Springfield Train Band in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1662 the unit was formed into the Hampshire Regiment of the Massachusetts Militia. It later served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, with Union forces in the American Civil War, and as a federalized Massachusetts National Guard regiment with the U.S. Army during Spanish–American War, Mexican Border Campaign, World War I and World War II. The last active element of the regiment, the 1st Battalion, was deactivated in 2005 and the soldiers and lineage transferred to the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment. Blazon: Shield: Per chevron and enhanced Argent and Azure, in chief a cross Gules, between six mullets pilewise a crenelated torch of the first flamant of three of the third, and in base an Indian arrowhead point to base of the first. Crest: That for the regiments of the Massachusetts National Guard: On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure a dexter arm embowed clothed Blue and ruffed White Proper the hand grasping a broad sword Argent the pommel and hilt Or. Motto: FORTITUDE ET COURAGE (Fortitude and Courage). Symbolism: The shield is white and blue – the old and the present Infantry colors. Indian Wars and disturbances are indicated by the Indian arrowhead. The cross of St. George recalls Revolutionary War service. The "per chevron" division of the shield represents the "Bloody Angle" at Spotsylvania during the Civil War. The crenelated portion of the torch is representative of Spanish War service. The torch was a device painted on the 104th Infantry Regiment equipment during World War I for easy identification, the three flames representing the three centuries of existence of the 104th Infantry Regiment. The six mullets symbolize the six major engagements during World War I. Background: The coat of arms was originally approved for the 104th Infantry Regiment on 1926-11-05.