U.S. ARMY 218TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT UNIT CREST (DUI)

The 281th Field Artillery Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved on 28 February 1955 for the 965th Field Artillery Battalion, Oregon National Guard. It was subsequently redesignated for the 218th Artillery, Oregon National Guard, on 7 June 1960 and for the current 218th Field Artillery Regiment on 24 July 1972.

PER ANGUSTA AD AUGUSTA, the unit motto inscribed on a scroll surrounding the insignia’s shield, is Latin for “Through Difficulties To Things Of Honor.” A barred arrow at the top left of the shield portion of the insignia is from the insignia of the 32nd Infantry Division, which the unit served under during World War I as the 147th Field Artillery Regiment. A fleur-de-lis represents combat service in France and Central Europe during World War, while the lion rampant (rendered in the reverse colors of the coat of arms of Belgium) is for the Battle of the Bulge and the unit’s Presidential Unit Citation it earned during it. A wavy fess and pale symbolize the juncture of the Williamette and Columbia Rivers in Oregon, and the rose refers to the Regiment’s home area of Portland (the “rose city”).

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.

♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦

Originally formed in the Oregon Militia in 1866 as the Portland Light Artillery, the unit’s official Special Designation, the 218th Field Artillery Regiment’s lineage and history includes participation in six campaigns and selection for a French Croix de Guerre with a Gilt Star during World War I and action in eight campaigns during World War II with Arrowhead devices for two Asiatic-Pacific campaigns indicating participation in an assault landing. Other military honors include a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions at St. Vith during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge and a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its combat deployment to Al Asad Air Force Base, Iraq between July 2009 – April 2010.

As of Autumn, the 218th Field Artillery Regiment’s sole active Battalion, the 2nd, is part of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard. It is headquartered at Forest Grove, Oregon. In addition to its HQ and HQ Battery, it commands four more Batteries and an attached Company (F Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion).