The 228th Aviation Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia, commonly referred to as a unit crest or a DUI, was originally approved on 26 April 1966 for the 228th Aviation Battalion and was redesignated on 21 October 1987 for the 228th Aviation Regiment. “Winged Warriors,” the unit motto, is inspired by the organization’s Aviation role and the image of Pegasus, a symbol stamina and strength, that it adopted for its unit crest. Four stars surrounding the mythical creature denote the four primary compass points, visually highlighting the unit’s readiness and availability for worldwide deployment.
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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While still organized as a Battalion, the 228th Aviation was highly active during the Vietnam War, taking part in thirteen campaigns and receiving numerous military decorations. The Battalion as a whole was tapped for a Presidential Unit Citation, a Valorous Unit Award, a pair of Meritorious Unit Commendations, three Republic of Vietnam (ROV) Cross of Gallantry with Palm awards, and an ROV Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class. Two of the Battalion’s Companies, A and C, were tapped for individual awards, with Company A earning a Presidential Unit Citation and a Valorous Unit Award and Company also being honored with a Presidential Unit Citation.
After being reorganized as a Regiment in 1987, the 228th continued its record of excellence by taking part in a highly successful raid on Renacer Prison in Panama during Operation Just Cause, liberating sixty-four detainees, and elements of the 2nd Battalion have been awarded several Meritorious Unit commendations during the War on Terrorism.
On three occasions, a detachment from the Battalion have earned Meritorious Unit Commendations (MUC) while attached to other units, specifically for service with Task Force Odin in Iraq (October 2006 – 2007), Task Force Odin-Afghanistan (June 2010 – June 2011), and Task Force Peacemaker in support of Operation New Dawn (June 2011 – December 2011). Companies A and C were both selected for a MUC, the former for service from December 2006 to November 2007 and the latter for the period from 17 March to 15 November 2005.
As of Summer 2023, the 1st Battalion, 228t Aviation Regment is assigned to U.S. Southern Command and provides the medical evacuation , heavy lift, and general aviation support of the joint operations area covered by Joint Task Force-Bravo. 2nd Battalion is assigned to 244th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, Army Reserve Aviation Command and is headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and with Companies stationed in several East coast states.