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 (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.
For Enlisted personnel, the insignia is centered on a shoulder loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.
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.
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The 135th Field Artillery Brigade was originally constituted as an Infantry Company in the Missouri National Guard at Sedalia, Missouri on 21 May 1917, and its deep ties to the “Show Me” state are reflected in its Distinctive Unit Insignia, or unit crest. Two bears facing outward are inspired by the two inward-facing bears found on both the Missouri state flag and state seal. Between them is a vertically oriented cannon, a visual representation of the Field Artillerist’s mission, with its breech resting on laurel leaves. En toto, the various images—the bears holding gunners’ ramrods, the scarlet flames escaping from the muzzle, and the laurel wreaths—evoke the motto inscribed at the top of the insignia, “Victory With Firepower.”
During World War I, the unit (as an Infantry Company) was assigned to the 35th Division, which was organized at Fort Sill from National Guard units hailing from Missouri and Kansas. The division began its overseas journey on 28 April, traveling first to Liverpool and West Winchester before embarking for France. It was part of the 140th Infantry Regiment, which along with the 139th Infantry Regiment made up the 70th Infantry Brigade. By war’s end, it had earned credit for participation in the Meuse-Argonne, Alsace 1918, and Lorraine 1918 Campaigns.
Related Items
135th Field Artillery Brigade Patch (SSI)