U.S. ARMY 383RD QUARTERMASTER BATTALION UNIT CREST (DUI)

Commonly called a unit crest or DUI for short, the Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 383rd Quartermaster Battalion was approved on 9 April 1971. The two keys on the right and left sides of the insignia allude to the authority and security symbolized by keys, but they also allude to the unit’s World War II service while still designated as HQ Detachment, 228th Quartermaster Battalion, with the large grape leaf signifying the action taking place during the Central Europe campaign.

The gold of the grape leaf’s stem, veins, and tendrils entwining the keys allude to refined petroleum products, and the black in the scroll is a visual reference to crude oil products; taken together, they comprise the scope of petroleum output and uses and serve to remind us that the flow of petroleum is truly the “Lifeline Of The Forces.”

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.
The 383rd Quartermaster Battalion was originally constituted in the Army of the United States as HQ and HQ Detachment, 228th Quartermaster Battalion on 8 March 1944. Activated on 25 March 1944, the Battalion would go on to take part in the Central Europe campaign (see above) before inactivation in January 1946 in the Philippine Islands.

Redesignated as HQ and HQ Detachment, 383rd Quartermaster Battalion in March 1947 and allotted to the Organized Reserves (changed to Army Reserve after July 1942), the Battalion was activated on 24 March 1947 at Dallas Texas. Sporadic inactivations/activations followed up until the unit was reorganized and redesignated as HQ and HQ Company, 383rd Quartermaster Battalion on 30 December 1967. It was called into active military service in September 1990 as part of Operation Desert Shield and ending up taking part in all three campaigns of the Southwest Asia conflict (Defense of Saudi Arabia, Liberation and Defense of Kuwait, and Cease-Fire), earning a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its superior service over the course of the entire war.