Shield History
- Sans Peur et Sans Reproache
- Without Fear and Without Reproach
- The Story of the World Famous Pukin’
Dogs’ Shield and Motto
- A French knight, Chevalier Bayard, was
born in the latter half of the 15th century during the rise of the
powerful French nation state. By the age of 20, he became one of the
youngest marshals of France and would volunteer to fight for other
affiliates during the brief times that France was not at war. Bayard was
admired by such diverse figures as Henry VIII of England, Gaston De Fiox
(probably the finest general of the day) and Leonardo Da Vinci, because
he personified many of the knightly virtues, such as:
- -Prowess - Bayard was always the first
man in an attack. In a single combat he had no equal and most enemy
knights would simply ride around him in hope of fighting someone else.
- -Courage - At the “Battle of the
Spears” (30 June 1513), Bayard and approximately 15 men attempted
to fight the entire force of English and German knights (over 1000 men).
While this may seem to have been “bad headwork,” his
courageous action enabled the main body of French troops to escape.
- -Honor, Bearing - Aside from his habit of
fighting duels with everyone who irritated him, Bayard was renowned for
his quiet, rather genteel attitude towards his people, his generosity to
the poor, and his mercy to beaten foes. His king, Frances I, referred to
him as “My favorite DOG...he never barks, but bites hard.”
- -Loyalty - Bayard never deviated from his
loyalties to king, church, friends, and country.
- The shield and banner which make up part
of the World Famous Pukin” Dogs’ crest were taken from the
shield that Bayard carried into battle so many years ago. It is only
fitting that the officers and men of the World Famous Pukin’ Dogs
of Fighter Squadron 143, who emulate the qualities of the famous knight,
continue to carry his shield into battle.
Back to the
Homepage!
This page hosted by 
Get your own Free Homepage