The 264th Engineer Group Distinctive Unit Insignia, also called a DUI or “unit crest,” was originally approved for the 264th Armor Group on 27 May 1970. It was redesignated for the 264th Engineer Group, with revised symbolism, on 6 July 1972. Four wavy bars with inward-oriented arrows have dual meaning on the 264th Engineer Group DUI. One of them is a reference to the Group’s lineage that includes the 264th Armor Group, which was awarded four battle honors from the European Theater in World War II (Romoe-Arno, Naples-Foggia, North Apennines, and Po Valley). Another is that the convergence of the bars at the center is a visual reference to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, since the Indian meaning of “Wisconsin” is “meeting of the waters.” The background of the escutcheon simulate a Roman shield, while the scarlet and green tones are the national colors of Italy. A black annulet (circle) is a symbol of mobility, re-emphasized by the motto “Forward With Valor.”
Distinctive Unit Insignias are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. You can find guidance on wear of the DUI in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Before it was an Armor or Engineer unit, the 264th Engineer Group was first organized as Troop L, 1st Cavalry based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After serving in both World Wars, the unit was reorganized into the 264th Engineer Group and located in its “birthplace” of Eau Claure in 1972; its headquarters were moved to Chippewa Falls in 1989. One of the Group’s more unique achievements was in creating a mine-laying apparatus dubbed the “Row Minefield Device” in 1988.
Twenty years later, the colors of the 264th Engineer Group were cased in a ceremony held at the National Guard Armory in Chippewa Falls. Following the inactivation, the Group’s duties were assumed by the 724th Engineer Battalion based in Hayward some 100 miles north Chippewa Falls.