The 264th Medical Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, better known to most Soldiers as a unit crest or DUI, was approved for wear on 13 October 2006. Its design features an upright horseshow—a nod to the earliest days of Army medicine and the use of horse-drawn ambulances—with a maroon and blue cross divided into upper and lower halves by a wavy silver line, surmounted by a flaming torch.
The two-toned cross and wavy division is an allusion to the unit’s World War II service and the amphibious aspect of the organizations mission, particularly with the 4th Engineer Special Brigade. As is always the case with insignia for Medical units, the cross is also an emblem that recalls the Medical Corps and the functions of caring, healing, and assisting. The flaming torch symbolizes the Battalion’s instructional mission at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center of Excellence, formerly known as the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School. “Answering The Call” is the Battalion motto.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are 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.
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.Stationed at Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston in Texas, the 264th Medical Battalion is a subordinate unit of the 32nd Medical Brigade.