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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
Worn today by members of the 56th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, this Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) was approved on 11 September 1941 for the 56th Medical Battalion. The shield-style insignia features a traditional red cross as symbol of the medical services provided by the organization. A mountain peak in the center is Mount Rainier, a reference to the location where the Battalion was activated (Fort Lewis, Washington).
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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During World War II, the 56th Medical Battalion took part in six campaigns in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater, beginning with the invasion of Sicily and the Rome-Arno campaignm during which it handled both air and sea evacuation at Anzio, before providing medical support during the invasion of Southern France; other campaigns included Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
During the First Gulf War, the Battalion was credited with participation two camaigns (Defense of Saudi Arabia and Liberation and Defense of Kuwait) and was the recipient of a Meritorious Unit Commendation. It has also been deployed several times during the War on Terrorism, earning two Meritorious Unit Commendations (April-December 2003, 2007-2009) and an Army Superior Unit Award for meritorious service in a non-combat situation. It is assigned to the 62nd Medical Brigade and is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington.