Wing's emblem symbolizes the 'first'
By History Office, 509th Bomb Wing
/ Published November 14, 2007
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) -- The shield of the 509th Bombardment Wing is rich in tradition as each symbol on the shield represents some part of the past. The wing's emblem was approved July 10, 1952 and has remained unchanged for 55 years.
The yellow shield has a representation of an atomic cloud between a pair of blue stylized wings with a red tripod in the center. The colors allude to Air Force colors with blue representing the Air Force, and yellow alludes to the excellence required of Air Force people. .
The Air Force blue wings represent the branch of service but are not in the familiar outstretched position. When the ancient Greeks approached a stranger, they raised their arms with palms outward to show they were carrying no weapons, a sign of peace. The 509th BW obtained special permission to display the wings in this configuration to show that it, too, comes in peace.
The atomic cloud burst represents two things: The 509 is the only unit to ever drop atomic bombs in wartime representing a new era of weaponry and that it uses airpower as a deterrent to war and defender of peace. Finally, the red tripod which is the eldest son symbol shows that the wing is the oldest atomic trained military unit in the world.
In the scroll is the wing's motto, "Defensor Vindex," Latin for Defender Avenger.