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.
The 69th Armor Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia
features the unit motto VITESSE ET PUISSANCE (“Speed And Power”) on a scroll just below a shield bisected diagonally, and a crouched black panther stalking prey—
the very epitome of an Armor regiment's ability to unleash an attack that combines the two qualities of power and speed.
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.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Constituted in the Regular Army as the 69th Armored Regiment on 15 July 1940, the 69th Armor was activated on 15 February 1942 in preparation for overseas deployment. In September 1943, the Regiment was broken up and components given new assignments and new designations. Those that retained lineage to the Regiment took part in five European and three Pacific World War II campaigns, earning two Arrowhead devices for assault landings during the Western Pacific and Ryukyus campaigns and a total of three Presidential Unit Citations (two in the Pacific, one in Europe). Before the Regiment was reconstituted under the Combat Arms Regimental System in 1957 as the 69th Armor, it would also take part in all ten Korean War Campaigns, garnering a Presidential Unit Citation and a Navy Unit Commendation for its meritorious and exceptional service.
Both of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 69th Armor Regiment took part in the First Gulf War, with the 3rd Battalion participating in all three campaigns and the 2nd in the first two. Both battalions also earned a Presidential Unit Citation for their performance during the opening salvos of Operation Iraqi Freedom (March-May, 2003). Additionally, the 2nd Battalion was awarded a Valorous Unit Award (March 2007 to June 2008) and a Meritorious Unit Commendation (2009-2010), while the 3rd Battalion has been recognized with two Meritorious Unit Commendations (2010, 2012-2013).
As of Summer 2023, both of the Regiment's active Battalions are assigned to units of the 3rd Infantry Division, with the 2nd Battalion assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team and the 3rd Battalion assigned to assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team. The two Battalions are stationed at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia.