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.
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Approved on 16 April 1923, the 13th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia highlight the Regiment’s achievements up to that point in time. Four blue and white bars on a shield represent the four conflicts in which the Regiment had fought at the time the insignia was designed: Civil War, War With Spain, Indian Wars, and the Philippine Insurrection. The red saltire is taken from the Confederate battle flag, but with red bars instead of blue. The two four-star straps are those of Generals William Tecumseh Sherman and Phillip Sheridan, both of whom came from the 13th Infantry. The crest is the badge of the XV Corps during the Civil War, with the phrase “40 Rounds” being a reference to the quick response a XV Corps Soldier gave when asked to display his Corps’ badge, tapping his ammo box as he said it.
The 13th Infantry Regiment was originally organized in October 1861, and in less than two years its gallantry and fervor under fire would lead its Commander, General William Tecumseh Sherman, to authorize its personnel to inscribe the phrase “First At Vicksburg” on the Regimental colors. This was no small matter: Vicksburg was one of the Civil War’s most important battles, but it was won by a siege, with the 13th being the only Union unit that actually planted its colors on Confederate positions before the surrender.
Following the Civil War, the 13th fought in the Indian Wars, War With Spain, and the Philippine Insurrection. Assigned to the 8th Division during World War I, neither it nor the Division earned any campaign participation credit for that conflict, but in the Second World War its service with the 8th Infantry Division yielded four campaign streamers and an Arrowhead device noting it took part in the assault landing at Normandy; it was also honored with a Presidential Unit Citation, a French Croix de Guerre with Palm, and a Luxembourg Croix de Guerre.
Since 2005, the Regiment has been a part of Army Training and Doctrine Command. Stationed at Fort Jackson, the 1st and 2nd Battalions are assigned to the 193rd Infantry Brigade and provide Basic Combat Training for new recruits.