The 77th Armor Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 22 June 1942 while the unit was designated as the 753rd Tank Battalion. It was redesignated on 22 June 1950 for the 77th Heavy Tank Battalion and again on 15 February 1962 for the 77th Armor Regiment. INSISTE FIRMITER, the unit motto, is a Latin phrase that translates in English as “Stand To It Stoutly.” Above the motto, a man-eating tiger crouches on two legs and grasps a battle-axe in its forepaws, symbolizing the “enemy devouring” capabilities of the Regiment; the battle-axe emphasizes the offensive maneuvers of a Tank Battalion.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
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Originally constituted on 25 April 1941 in the Army of the United States as Company A, 73rd Tank Battalion, today’s 77th Armor Regiment fought in World War II under two other designations—Company A, 753rd Tank Battalion, Medium and Company A, 753rd Tank Battalion—and took part in seven campaigns, receiving Arrowhead devices to adorn two of its campaign streamers. It was also the recipient of an astonishing four French Croix de Guerre awards—two with Palms, one with Silver-Gilt Star, and a Fourragere.
At the start of the Korean War in the summer of 1950, the unit was redesignated as Company A, 77th Tank Battalion (5 August 1950). Though it was inactivated just 15 months later, it took part in six Korean War campaigns, earning three Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations. Redesignated in 1962 as the 77th Armor, a parent regiment in the Combat Arms Regimental System (CARS), the Regiment fought in nine Vietnam War campaigns, and its 1st Battalion was awarded two Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm awards.
During the War on Terrorism, the Regiment’s only remaining active Battalion, the 1st has deployed on several occasions and is the recipient of a Valorous Unit Award, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a Navy Unit Commendation. In addition, the battalion’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Company C also were honored with a Valorous Unit Award. As of Summer 2023, the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment is assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division and is stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.