English: Description/Blazon

A device of gold color metal and enamel 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in width overall consisting of nine gold tongues of flame issuant from a common center with orange at their centers and their outer ends curled inwardly in a clockwise direction; separating the flames into three groups three blue wings emerging from a red disc in center the lower portion of this design enclosed by a gold scroll bearing the motto "AD EXCELSUM CONAMUR" in red letters.

Symbolism

A mythological phoenix symbol, depicted in heraldry as a demi-eagle with wings displayed rising out of flames of fire and said to represent hope and life eternal, is the basis for this design. Thus the blue wings symbolize the organization?s aircraft rising triumphant out of the tempering fires of combat, signifying hope and the continuity of life throughout hardships. The Aviation colors, blue and orange, are represented in the wings and flames and the total number of the tongues of flame and the wings equal the numerical designation of the unit.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 12th Aviation Group on 10 July 1967. It was redesignated for the 12th Aviation Brigade on 16 March 1988.