Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/16 inches (2.70 cm) in diameter overall blazoned: A torteau bearing a plate surmounted by a saltire Azure edged Argent charged overall with an eagle Or. In base the motto parted by the saltire “FIDUS” “ULTRA” “FINEM” in Gold letters.
Symbolism
The American Eagle, centered on the saltire from the battle flag of the Confederacy, depicts the defense of Fort Pickens, the only fort south of Fort Monroe which remained loyal to the Federal Government throughout the Civil War.
Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 2d Coast Artillery Regiment on 24 November 1924. It was redesignated for the 2d Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion on 2 August 1951. It was cancelled on 13 July 1959. The insignia was restored and authorized for the 2d Air Defense Artillery Regiment on 1 September 1971.
Coat Of Arms
Blazon
Shield
Paly of fifteen Gules and Argent, two Indian arrows saltirewise Or, behind a serpent Vert, lipped and eyed of the third, coiled around and above a prickly pear cactus Proper.
Crest
On a wreath of the colors Argent and Gules an eagle close Or sitting on and at the intersection of a saltire Azure fimbriated Argent.
Motto
FIDUS ULTRA FINEM (Faithful Beyond The End).
Symbolism
Shield
The shield is scarlet for Artillery. The fifteen stripes, representative of the United States national flag of 1814, allude to the battle of Fort McHenry in which a company of the Regiment participated. The snake and cactus commemorate service in the Mexican War. The arrows refer to the Indian Wars.
Crest
The American Eagle, centered on the saltire from the battle flag of the Confederacy, depicts the defense of Fort Pickens, the only fort south of Fort Monroe which remained loyal to the Federal Government throughout the Civil War.
Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 2d Coast Artillery Regiment on 24 November 1924. It was redesignated for the 2d Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion on 2 August 1951. It was cancelled on 13 July 1959. The insignia was restored and authorized for the 2d Air Defense Artillery Regiment on 1 September 1971. It was amended to cite the correct organizational element in the symbolism on 1 November 1983. 
