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.
More 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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The 180th Medical Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 16 September 1995. Its maroon shield and white (silver) Greek cross incorporate the colors of the Medical Corps, with the cross symbolizing the unit mission of medicine and aid. The four arms of the cross terminate in fleurs-de-lis while the heraldic fountain in its center suggests water, denoting the total of five European Theater campaigns the unit took part in during World War II. “Here To Serve,” the unit motto, encapsulates the selfless mission of all Army medical units, especially those serving on the front lines.
Constituted in the Army of the United States on 14 August 1943 and activated on 15 September 1943, the 180th Medical Battalion was landed at Normandy shortly after D-Day and provided Medical support during five major campaigns—Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace—before the Germany surrender in May 1945. Inactivated in November 1945, the unit was redesignated as the 414th Medical Battalion and allotted to the Organized Reserve Corps (now known as the Army Reserve) on 30 December 1948.
The Battalion began a 14-month period of active service on 1 February 1949. Inactivated on 3 April 1950, the Battalion was redesignated as HQ and HQ Detachment, 180th Medical Battalion on 20 April 1953 while still inactivated. It was finally activated after a 45-year hiatus from active duty on 16 September 1995 at Columbus, Ohio, but within three years it was inactivated for the final time in 1998.