Unknown WWII Unit DI - Armored? Black Lion "Facta Non Verba"

[jeffs1130]

I picked this up today at the local flea market but can't seem to identify it!

 

Looks familiar, maybe an Armored Unit?

 

Has Motto: "Facta Non Verba"

 

If anyone knows, please let me know, thanks!

 

[firefighter]

143rd Field Artillery. The motto matches but not the design.

[atb]

143d Field Artillery

[MBS]

Your pin is a bit of a mystery.

 

The motto "FACTA NON VERBA" translates to "DEEDS NOT WORDS". The motto is found on three different DI's that I know of; 143rd Field Artillery, 1st Spec HQ's CO Mass State Guard and 351st Engineer Battalion. Your pin is not related to any of those units.

 

At first glance I thought it might be an ROTC DI but so far I have not found any information to tie it to the ROTC either.

 

I will keep checking my references and see if I can ID it. Of course someone else might chime in who already knows the correct info.

 

Is there any hallmark on the back; perhaps you could post a photo of the back?

 

Brent

[jeffs1130]

Unfortunately the backside is unmarked...

[jeffs1130]

Has screw back with post... so WWII?

[MBS]

No, the fact that is has a screw back doesn't necessarily mean WW2 vintage.

 

Brent

[MBS]

I did some digging and I am able to make a postive ID on your DI.

 

It is the DI for the 124th Field Artillery. They were a national guard unit from Illinois.

 

Without seeing the DI in hand I am going to plcae it about Korean war era. I am basing this date on the design of the lion. The DI was authorized May 1928 and approved April 1930. However all the earlier examples I can find have a different shape to the lion. The shape on your lion matches the later DI from around 1948-1957. It was not unheard of to still see a screwback manufatured at that time.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Brent

[jeffs1130]

Thanks!

I was just going to tell you I picked up a few other DI's with it and they are all Illinois units! 108th Quartermaster Regiment, 130th Infantry Regiment, 150th Cavalry Regiment. Those are all pin back.

 

The 108th has a maker mark of a Chicago company, but I cant make it out its so tiny! The 150th has a snowflake pattern, and the 130th is Durocharm marked.

[rlyoun3910]

First crest is 124th FA Rgt, then Battalion 33rd Infantry Div, IL NG

Second crest is 124th FA Rgt IL NG

[rlyoun3910]

First crest is the 143rd AFA 40th Armor Div, CA NG

Second is 351st Engineer Battalion Army Reserve located in Missouri

Third is 351st Eng Bn, Organized Reserve, Missouri

[rlyoun3910]

This crest is the old Palo Alto Military Academy. Just sharing the same motto.

[firefighter]

This crest is the old Palo Alto Military Academy. Just sharing the same motto.

 

I think that is the same one I posted in costume jewelry.

[firefighter]

This crest is the old Palo Alto Military Academy. Just sharing the same motto.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/273848-costume-jewelry-dis/?hl=%2Bcostume+%2Bjewelry

[jeffs1130]

Very cool! Thanks for the info!