407th Support Battalion (Left) Unit Crest (Supply Is Strength)

Worn today by personnel of the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, the 407th Support Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia—also referred to as a “unit crest” or DUI—was originally approved for the 407 Supply and Transportation Battalion on 14 July 1965 and was amended the very next to correct the designation of the Battalion. On 21 September 1974, it was redesignated for the Supply and Service Battalion; thirteen years to the day later, on 21 September 1987, it was redesignated for the 407th Supply and Transport Battalion. The insignia was redesignated for the last time on 16 April 1994 with revised description and symbolism.

The mythical griffin, part eagle and part lion, is focal point of the unit crest and symbolizes the coordinated campaign of the Allies during World War III. In its “hand,” the griffin hoists a parachute with nine cords, each cord representing one the nine campaigns in which the parent unit took part in during the two World Wars. “Supply Is Strength” is the unit motto.

Today’s 407th Brigade Support Battalion, self-nicknamed as the “Gold Griffins” in reference to this DUI, was originally constituted in August 1917 as the 307th Supply Train, an element of the 82nd Division. Serving under that title in World War I, it took part in three campaigns before returning stateside and being demobilized in May 1919. This was the start of the unit’s history of being assigned to or an element of the 82nd Division, now the 82nd Airborne division.

Reconstituted in 1936, the unit received its current numeric designation when it was consolidated with the 407th Quartermaster Regiment, the newly formed unit retaining that designation. During World War II, as the 407th Airborne Quartermaster Company, the unit fought in a half-dozen campaigns, earning two Arrowhead devices for taking part in assault landings during the Normandy and Rhineland campaigns. Its military decorations for this service include a Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC), Military Order of William, Degree of the Knight of Fourth Class), and a Belgian Fourragere 1940 for two citations in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army.

Other campaigns in which the unit took part include Armed Forces Expeditions in the Dominican Republic (Operation Power Pack) and Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury) and two campaigns in the Persian Gulf War of 1990-1991 (for which it was awarded an MUC). In 1993, the unit assumed its current designation and mission as a Support organization, the 407th Forward Support Battalion.

Its campaign participation in this new role during the War on Terrorism is yet to be determined, but its outstanding service is much less in doubt. Since 2003, the Battalion has been the recipient of a Presidential Unit Citation, a Valorous Unit Award, and two Meritorious Unit Commendations. Additionally, its G Company was tapped for a Valorous Unit Award for its service in 2007-2008 while assigned to HQ and HQ Battery, 2nd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment in and around Baghdad).

The 407th Support Battalion is currently assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division and is stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.