The 338th Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia—more commonly referred to as a DUI or a “unit crest”—was originally approved for the 338th Infantry Regiment. It was redesignated for the 338th Regiment on 5 August 1960, and it was amended to correct the description and revise the symbolism on 3 April 1970.
A blue and silver (white) shield is a nod to the Regiment’s origins as an Infantry unit (blue is the current branch color for Infantry, but white had previously served in that role twice. The use of blue for the bottom of the shield rather than for the top is also a reference to the state flag of Michigan and the Regimental HQ stationed in Lansing in the southern, or “bottom,” part of the state. The division of the shield and the thistle are taken from the arms of Nancy, the arms-bearing town nearest to Maron, the town where the unit was stationed in World War I. “Marchons,” the unit motto, is French for “March On.”
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.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The history of the 338th Regiment can be divided into two distinct periods with two distinct missions. From the time of its constitution in August 1917 as the 338th Infantry until its reorganization and redesignation as the 338th Regiment in June 1959, it was a combat unit assigned to the 85th Division providing replacement troops to frontline units in World War I (hence the uninscribed WWI streamer because the Regiment’s troops were sent to different units and locations) and fighting in three campaigns in Italy during World War II.
From 1959 onward, the Regiment’s units have served as Training units, with its Battalions organized as elements of the 85th Division up until 2007. Though ordered into active service in support of the War on Terrorism, the Battalions have served their fellow Soldiers stateside with Training missions and, most recently, guiding Soldiers through the process of mobilization, deployment, and reintegration upon completion of an overseas tour.
In all, the Regiment’s Battalions have been announced as Army Superior Unit Award recipients six times since between 2007 and 2012 (for service between 2003 and and 2011).
As of Autumn 2023, the Regiment’s 1st Battalion is assigned to the 181st Multi-Functional Training Brigade, First Army Division West. 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command. 2nd Battalion and 3rd Battalions are both tasked with providing training for Combat Support/Combat Sustainment Support units as part of the 157th Infantry Brigade, also a part of the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command.