The 204th Military Intelligence Battalion’s lineage goes back to the constitution of the 3118th Signal Service Battalion on 4 November 1943 and its activation on 11 November 1943; the unit would earn credit for participation in three World War II campaigns in the European theater and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Twice redesignated as a Group (once during the war) rather than a Battalion while retaining the 3118 numerical designation, the unit was redesignated as the 502nd Communication Reconnaissance Group in 1951.
The next thirty-five years would see its designation change to 502nd Army Security Agency Group (1956) and 502nd Army Security Agency Battalion (1981) before it was given its current designation as the 204th Military Intelligence Battalion in 1986. Inactivated in 1995, the Battalion was reactivated on 16 October 1997 at Fort Bliss, Texas, where it is still headquartered. Since receiving its current title, its decorations include three Army Superior Unit Awards (note that individual companies have earned many streamers and decorations not applicable to the entire 204th MI Battalion or its Headquarters and Headquarters Company).
“Silently We Defend” is the unit motto, inscribed in white on a scarlet background at the base of the unit crest.
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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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.