The 11th Aviation Battalion was constituted on 21 August 1965 and activated two days later at Fort Benning (now named Fort Moore) in Georgia. During the Vietnam War, the Battalion was attached to the 12th Aviation Group and was headquartered at Phu Loi during most of its time in the country. Supporting the 1st Infantry Division and other II Field Force, Vietnam units, the Battalion took part in 15 of the 17 campaigns, earning a Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, a half-dozen Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry awards, and two Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citations.
Following the war, it was relocated to Erlensee, Germany where it was stationed at Fliegerhorst Kaserne. It was inactivated on 16 September 1987, with its lineage now carried on by the 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment based atFort Novosel (formerly named Fort Rucker) in Alabama.
Approved on 3 August 1967, the 11th Aviation Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, often referred to as a DUI or unit crest, features a blue field that alludes to the sky, the unit’s area of operations, and a pair of silver wings denoting its status as an Aviation unit. Two silver spears attached to the wings denote a state of combat readiness while simulating the unit’s numerical designation. “EXEMPLA PROPONERE” is Latin for “To Set Forth By Example.”
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The Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e),
"Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.