Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a 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.
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The 163rd Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia is nearly identical to the unit crest of the 163rd Cavalry Regiment, and for good reason: the two organizations share precisely the same lineage and history from 1884 until 1988, and consequently the symbolism and meaning of the imagery are the same for both insignias. A palm tree in the upper half of the insignia commemorates the unit’s service in two campaigns of the Philippine Insurrection; a giant cactus represents Mexican Border duty; and a fleur-de-lis sands for services in France during World War I. “Men, Do Your Duty,” the Regimental motto, is replaced on the 163rd with “Strike Hard And Fast.”
This insignia was originally approved for the 163rd Infantry Regiment, Montana National Guard (MNG) on 8 December 1941. Since then it has been redesignated for the 163rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, MNG (September 1953) and for the 163rd Infantry Regiment, Montana Army National Guard (ARNG) on 1 February 1989.
In addition to the Philippine Insurrection campaigns, the 163rd Infantry Regiment’s battle honors include an uninscribed World War I Victory streamer and four Asiatic-Pacific campaigns; its military decorations include a Presidential Unit Citation and a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation from World War II. The Regiment has also been honored with a Valorous Unit Award (15 February 2005 to 1 November 2005) from the War on Terrorism.
The 163rd Infantry Regiment’s 1st Battalion (1-163rd Infantry) was redesignated as 1st Battalion, 163rd Cavalry in 2007.