The 434th Field Artillery Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia, also called a DUI or unit crest, was approved for wear while the unit was still designated as the 434th Artillery Group; it was redesignated concurrently with the unit’s two subsequent redesignation as the 434th Field Artillery Group on 12 April 1972 and its current designation on 9 November 1978.
Whether fighting in the hedgerows of France during World War II or preparing new enlistees to be able to immediately contribute at their first assignment following Advanced Individual Training at the United States Army Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill since 2007, the 434th Field Artillery Brigade has always been steadfast in its commitment to “Service With Pride.” That service is reflected in the symbolism of its DUI, with three blue-and-gold fleurs-de-lis representing its service as the 1st Tank Destroyer Brigade in France during the Normandy, France, and Ardennes-Alsace campaigns of World War II; the squares containing the fleurs-de-lis denote a planned area of fire and represent Artillery bracketing.
Similarly, the black circle’s gold ermine spot symbolizes the Central Europe and Rhineland campaigns, while the black circle simulates a gunstone. Scarlet and yellow are used throughout the insignia to reflect the unit’s status as part of the Field Artillery Corps.
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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. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be 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.Related Items434th Field Artillery Brigade Patch (SSI)