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 (Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. Enlisted personnel wear the insignia centered on a shoulder loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.
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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Nicknamed the “Flying Dragons” for their extensive service in Vietnam, the 52nd Aviation Regiment was originally constituted in the Quartermaster branch as HQ and HQ Detachment, 204th Quartermaster Battalion on 21 May 1940, and it would continue to be designated as a Quartermaster or Transportation Corps until its conversion and redesignation as HQ and HQ Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion on 22 December 1962. While designated as the 204th Quartermaster Gas Supply Battalion 204th Quartermaster Battalion, Mobile during World War II, the unit took part in four campaigns in Italy—Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, and Po Valley—and was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
By the outbreak of the Korean War, the unit was designated as the HQ and HQ Company, 52nd Transportation Truck Battalion (it would become the 52nd Transportation Battalion in 1954). The Battalion fought in nine of the ten campaigns in Korea, and was the recipient of a Meritorious Unit Commendation and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
After being converted and redesignated as the 52nd Aviation Battalion, the unit was one of a mere handful to be credited with participation in all seventeen campaigns of the Vietnam War. Its record during this time is exemplary, with the evidence being the unit’s reception of a Presidential Unit Citation, two Valorous Unit Awards, a half-dozen Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm awards, and two Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medals.
As of the Summer of 2023, the 52nd Aviation Regiment's sole active Battalion, the 1st, is assigned to the 11th Airborne Division. Also known as 1-52D General Support Aviation Battalion, the unit is equipped with UH-60 Blackhawks, CH-47 Chinooks, and UH-60 Medevac Support aircraft.