The Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB) for the 111th Sustainment Brigade employs the same imagery and design as found on the color version of the Brigade’s Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or unit patch. This insignia was originally approved for the 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in 1973 and was subsequently redesignated for the Brigade’s immediate predecessor, the 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in 2008.
While the authorization for an insignia goes back only to 1973,the 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade’s predecessor, the 726th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, was descended from the 200th Coast Artillery Regiment (its Distinctive Unit Insignia uses the crest from the Regiment’s coat of arms) and inherited that organization’s lineage and honors.
Deployed to the Philippines in September 1941, the 200th took part in the defense of the Philippines against the Japanese invasion launched the day following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite valiant efforts to stem the Japanese onslaught, the outnumbered and outgunned American forces could hope only to tie up the Japanese in the Philippies for as long as possible to prevent the forces from being used elsewhere. On April 9, 1942, the 200th Coast Artillery Regiment surrendered along with all the Americans remaining on the Bataan Peninsula; the fall of Corregidor and the surrender of General Jonathan Wainwright came a month later.
For its bravery and sacrifice and in keeping with the unit motto "MIRAS ARRIBA" ("Keep Your Goal High"), the 200th was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation with streamers embroidered MANILA 1941, BATAAN, and DEFENSE OF THE PHILIPPINES. It was also honored with a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation adorned with a streamer reading 7 DECEMBER 1941 to 10 MAY 1942.
Related Items111th Sustainment Brigade Patch (SSI)
111th Sustainment Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)