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.
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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The colors maroon and white (silver) are used exclusively for the 261st Medical Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia are traditionally associated with the Medical Corps. World War II service in France and Italy is represented by the fleur-de-lis and chevron respectively, the last also referring to the assaults in Normandy and suggesting the terrain of the locales of Naples and Rome where the unit saw service. The significance of the participation in two major landings is denoted by the palewise division and counterchange of the shield. The fleur-de-lis further symbolizes the special honor of the French Croix de Guerre and the Presidential Unit Citation for action in Normandy.
The Battalion’s service in France and Italy during World War II is commemorated with the fleur-de-lis and chevron, with the chevron also a reference to the unit’s participation in assault landings at Sicily and Normandy; the palewise division and counterchange of the shield denote the significance of taking part in these major landings. Similarly, the fleur-de-lis also represents the special honor of the French Croix de Guerre with Palm and the Presidential Unit Citation for the Battalion’s participation at Normandy. “Proud To Train And Save” is the Battalion motto.
In addition to the five World War II campaigns, the 261st Medical Battalion is also credited with taking part in three campaigns in the Iraq theater of the War on Terrorism (Iraqi Governance, National Resolution, and Iraqi Surge), earning a total of three Meritorious Unit Commendations for its exceptional service.
As of Summer 2023, the 261st Medical Battalion serves as a Multifunctional Medical Battalion. It is stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) in North Carolina and is under the command of the 44th Medical Brigade.