Emblem, Patches and Flags of the Kentucky Air National Guard

Return to History of Kentucky Air National Guard By Charles Arrington

The 123d Wing Emblem Kentucky Air National Guard

The insignia of the 123d Wing was approved Dec. 20, 1951, by the Heraldic Branch of Headquarters, USAF, as originally submitted when the unit was a Fighter-Bomber Wing.

SIGNIFICANCE: The blue and yellow are the colors of the U.S. Air Force. The three winged plates represent the Air National Guard units of the 123d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (originally these were located at Louisville, Ky., Charleston, W.Va., and Charlotte, N.C.), consolidated through the symbolic rays into an Air Force organization. The chevron, a military symbol of strength and protection, is parallel to the aims and qualities of the organization. The bar, a horizontal band significant of unity and cooperation of purpose, is symbolic of the successful completion of the mission.

MOTTO: The motto expresses the spirit of the unit. Translated "Fortes Fortuna Juvat" means "fortune favors the brave."

UNIT COLORS: The shield is located beneath a wreath of blue and white, surmounted by the eagle and enclosed in a circle of stars. With the unit colors are displayed streamers which bear the names of the battle honors and other credits to which the wing is entitled.