Ordnance and 73d Symbolism
The Ordnance Corp Regimental Crest
The flaming bomb with crossed cannons is the oldest military device of the United States Army. Adopted in May 1833, it was first used by the Ordnance Department as a button. The flaming bomb with crossed cannons was also used by the Artillery until 1834, when they adopted their traditional crossed cannons. The flaming bomb first appeared by itself in 1848. Before its adoption by the Army, the flaming bomb
was the insignia of the British Grenadier Guards, Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Engineers. Today, it represents the armament of days gone by, while the energy it connotes is applicable to our modern weapons. The Ordnance escutcheon, consisting of crossed cannons, the flaming bomb and a cannoneers’ belt over and across the cannons, embossed with the words "Ordnance Department U.S.A." was also adopted in 1833. In 1950, the wording was changed to read "Ordnance Corps U.S.A."
The belt represents the traditional association between munitions and armament. The white background symbolizes the peace in our motto "Armament for Peace." On October 28, 1985, the Ordnance regimental system was approved and the branch insignia was adopted as the Ordnance regimental crest. When wearing this device, one wears an emblem that represents 173 years of devoted service to the United States Army Ordnance Corps.
Ordnance Soldier's Creed
As an Ordnance soldier of the United States Army, I will utilize every available talent and means to ensure that superior mobility, firepower, and communications are advantages enjoyed by the United States Army over its enemies. As an Ordnance soldier, I fully understand my duty to perform under adverse conditions and I will continually strive to perfect my craft. I will remain flexible so that I can meet any emergency. In my conduct, I will abide by the soldier's code. In my support mission in the field, I will us every available skill to maintain Superiority. As an Ordnance soldier, I have no greater task.
The Army Ordnance Song
Arms For the Love of America
On land and on the sea and in the air
We've got to be there, We've got to be there.
America is sounding her alarms
We've got to have arms, We've got to have arms.
Arms for the love of America
They speak in a foreign land, with weapons in every hand.
What ever they try we've got to reply in language they understand.
Arms for the love of America
And for the love of every mother's son
Who's depending on the work that must be done
By the man, behind the man, behind the gun
They're in the camps and in the training schools
Now give them the tools, they've got to have tools.
We called them from the factories and farms
Now give them the arms, They've got to have arms.
Arms for the love of America.
We've got to get in the race, and work at a lively pace.
They say over here we've nothing to fear but let's get ready just in case.
Arms for the love of America.
And for the love of every mother's son.
Oh the fight for freedom can be lost or won
By the man, behind the man, behind the gun.
Ordnance Song - Instrumental | Vocal
Ordnance Bomb Origin
The flaming bomb became the Ordnance Insignia after the War of
1812. Now, as then, it symbolizes the energy of those who wear it. It is the oldest military insignia of the United States Army, and before its adoption by Ordnance, was the insignia of British Grenadier Guards, Royal Engineers and Royal Horse Artillery.
73rd Ordnance Unit Crest
A gold shield blazoned with three blue swords pointing skyward symbolizing victory. The three swords represent courage, ingenuity, and perseverance. Below the shield, a blue scroll inscribed with the motto "AD ALTA" in gold letters meaning " To The Heights". Blue is for honor and gold is for courage.
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