Shield: Azure, a double-warded key palewise with an arched lightning flash on either side connecting the ward and bow and each flash enclosing a fleur-de-lis argent and on the bow an ermine spot.
Crest: On a wreath of the colors, argent and azure, a dragon sejant with wings elevated and addorsed gules armed and langued of the second spattered with seventeen mullets and grasping in his dexter claw three lightning flashes or.
Motto: SILENTLY WE DEFEND.
Symbolism: Oriental blue is one of the colors associated with military intelligence, and a key is emblematic of authority and security The double ward and flashes represent the unit's concern for both overt and covert security communications. The flashes also denote celerity in operation procedures and allude to the unit's signal lineage. Initially designated as the 3118th Signal Service Battalion, the unit's participation in the Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe campaigns during World War II is represented by the fleurs-de-lis and ermine spot. The design has been adapted from the badge of a predecessor unit, the 502d Army Security Agency Battalion. The dragon, a mythical beast renowned as a vigilant guardian and defender, symbolizes the heritage, mission, and ideals of the unit. The red dragon alludes to the Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) and service of elements of the battalion in Vietnam. Red emphasizes the unit's courage, determination, and valor. The stars denote military preparedness and excellence in endeavors. Service duringWorld War II in Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe is represented by the three lightning dashes.
The distinctive unit insignia is an adaptation of the shield and motto of the coat of arms.
409TH ARMY SECURITY AGENCY DETACHMENTOn 8 April 1966, the Army Security Agency activated the 409th Army Security Agency Detachment at Fort George G Meade Maryland. The 80 man Detachment was designed specifically to support the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. On 18 August 1966, the 409thASA Detachment (known in Vietnam as the 409th Radio Research Detachment) was deployed with the Regiment to Vietnam. The 409th RRD played a very important role in supporting the Regiment by providing communications intelligence, which targeted the elusive enemy. This was accomplished by manual morse and voice interception,along with radio direction finding. Small teams from the 409th RRD deployed with elements of the Regiment in direct support of combat operations while others maintained collection sites at isolated fire support bases. The Detachment relayed its information directly to the local commander and provided him with reports from other Radio Research elements, which could include the results of airborne radio direction finding. In addition a team of specialists provided advice and assistance on communications security matters to the Regiment. Although small in size, the 409th RRD was quickly recognized for providing reliable information on a timely basis. For its efforts , the 409th RRD received a Valorous Unit Award, 4 Meritorious Unit Commendations, 4 Republic Of Vietnam Crosses Of Gallantry. The 409th RRD suffered two combat losses: 1LT JOHN F Cochrane 24 OCT 1966; SP5 HARRY J Colon 21 JUN 1969. |