With a heritage stretching back to the year of John Adams' birth (1735), the 201st Field Artillery Regiment’s first unit—Captain Morgan’s Company of Volunteer Militia—was drawn from Orange County in the middle of the state of Virginia. In addition to Revolutionary War and War of 1812 campaign credits, the lineage of the 201st Field Artillery Regiment includes both Union and Confederate units. In the modern era, the Regiment was awarded an uninscribed WWI campaign streamer, and for its World War II service in Alaska as the 201st Infantry regiment it also received an Aleutian Islands campaign streamer. It was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation in the First Gulf War following its participation in two of that conflict’s campaigns, and most recently it spent one year deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
As of Summer 2023, the Regiment is represented by a single active Battalion assigned to the 197th Field Artillery Brigade, West Virginia Army National Guard.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Approved for wear on 20 November 1929, the 201st Infantry Regiment’s Regimental Distinctive Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, recognizes its predecessors’ service as Infantry units with a blue chief at the top. On the chief are two lions rampant, symbols of their forebears’ actions in the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. The countercharged saltires reflects both Union and Confederate service in the Civil War. A Roman sword to the left of the saltire ("x" shape) stands for Spanish War participation, the snake represents Mexican War action, and the fleur-de-lis is of course for French service in World War I. The motto “Yes Sir” exudes the quite affirmation that what is ordered will be achieved.
The Distinctive Unit Insignia s 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.