U.S. ARMY 128TH SUPPORT BATTALION UNIT CREST (DUI)

Often referred to as a unit crest or by its initialism DUI, the Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 128th Support Battalion was originally approved for the 176th Field Artillery Regiment on 11 August 1924. Since then, it has been redesignated for the 176th Field Artillery Battalion (September 1942), the 689th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion (November 1953, the 176th Artillery Regiment (September 1961, the 176th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (July 1972) and for the 128th Support Battalion (December 1992).

In the center of the insignia is a shield, based up that of William Pitt and adapted from the coat of arms of the city of Pittsburgh, the unit’s home location since. Three gold HE (high explosive) shells are charged with leopards’ faces are taken from the arms of Duquesne, a reference to the unit’s nickname of Duquesne Grays. “Puebla To The Marne” covers the organization’s combat record from start to finish at the time the insignia as approved: it was mustered into Federal service in 1846 for the Mexican War for its first combat, and had fought in France in World War I just six years earlier.

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.

Tasked with providing logistic support for the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team , 28th Infantry Division, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 128th Brigade Support Battalion—previously designated as the 128th Support Battalion and the 128th Forward Support Battalion—is comprised of a Headquarters and Headquarters Company and seven other Companies, A through G. The Battalion deployed to Iraq in 2006 and 2008, and in 2012 its G Company scored highest of all small National Guard units evaluated for its Table of Organization and Equipment in the Combined Logistics Excellence competition.