The flaming bomb with crossed cannons is the oldest military device of the United States Army. Adopted in May 1833, it was first used by the Ordnance Department as a button. The flaming bomb with crossed cannons was also used by the Artillery until 1834, when they adopted their traditional crossed cannons.

The flaming bomb first appeared by itself in 1848. Before its adoption by the Army, the flaming bomb was the insignia of the British Grenadier Guards, Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Engineers. Today, it represents the armament of days gone by, while the energy it connotes is applicable to our modern weapons.

The Ordnance escutcheon, consisting of crossed cannons, the flaming bomb and a connoneers' belt over and across the cannons, embossed with the words "Ordnance Department U.S.A." was also adopted in 1833. In 1950, the wording was changed to reading "Ordnance Corps U.S.A." The belt represents the traditional association between munitions and armament. The white background symbolizes the peace in our motto "Armament for Peace."

On October 28, 1985, the Ordnance regimental system was approved and the branch insignia was adopted as the Ordnance regimental crest. When wearing this device, one wears an emblem that represents 189 years of devoted service to the United States Army Ordnance Corps.