The 15th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia, often called a unit crest or a DUI, was approved on 22 April 1924 and celebrates some of the unit’s most illustrious achievements up that point in its history. At the top of the badge-like insignia is a white background with a rock bookended by a pair of acorns on each side. The red acorn was the badge of the Union Army’s XIV Army Corps, commanded by General George Thomas, under which the 15th Infantry fought during the Civil War. Thomas was acclaimed as the “Rock of Chickamauga” when he ordered his troops to hold their ground to prevent the Confederates from routing the Union forces at that battle; the four acorns represent the four major campaigns in which Regiment fought (Murfreesborough, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Atlanta).
In the lower half of the shield is a Chinese Dragon, just above the Regimental motto “Can Do.” Both of these are references to the 20-plus years Regiment Soldiers spent in China following the China Relief Expedition; “Can Do” was a pidgin English expression that quickly gained popularity among the troops.
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. 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.
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In addition to the Civil War and China Relief Expedition, the 15th Infantry Regiment also fought in the Indian War, Philippine Insurrection, World War II, Korean War, the First Gulf War (Southwest Asia), and the War on Terrorism. Since the start of World War II, the Regiment’s oldest Battalion, the 1st, has been honored with no fewer than eight Presidential Unit Citations, a Valorous Unit Award, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a French Croix de Guerre with Palm, French Fourragere, two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, and the Chryssoun Aristion Andrias (Greek bravery medal).