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.
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The 40th Support Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia was first approved for the 40th Supply and Transport Battalion on 7 June 1978. It was subsequently redesignated for the 40th Support Battalion beginning 1 June 1987 with revised description and symbolism. Brick red and buff (yellow/gold) are featured prominently in the insignia to indicate the unit’s origins in the Transportation Corps. A key alludes to the Battalion’s basic mission and the wheel is another reference to the unit’s former organization as a Transportation unit. A pair of wavy bands separated by a blue band symbolizes water and recalls the former organization’s service in both the Philippines and Korea. “Forward With The Best” is the Battalion motto.
Following its organization in the California National Guard and Federal recognition on 13 December 1927, its lineage becomes so complex that space limitations force us to cover only the highlights here. On 15 October 1943, it was reorganized and redesignated from the 40th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop to the 40th Reconnaissance Troop, Mechanized, and would go on to take part in three campaigns in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, participating in assault landings at Luzon and in the Southern Philippines and garnering a Presidential Unit Citation and a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for exceptional performance.
By the time of the Korean War, the unit was designated as the 40th Reconnaissance Company and took part in four of the Korean War’s ten campaigns, receiving a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for its service between 1952 and 1954. It was first given the designation 40th Support Battalion in 1968 as an element of the 40th Armored Division; it is unclear what happened to that unit, but is lineage picks up in January 1974 with the organization of the 40th Supply and Transport Battalion.
This would go on to become the 1st Support Battalion, 40th Infantry Division Support Command on 1 August 1985. Almost two years later, the unit was given the 40th Support Battalion designation on 1 June 1987 and was assigned to the 40th Infantry division. As of Summer 2023, the unit is serving as the 40th Brigade Support Battalion and is assigned to the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard. It is headquartered at Bell, California.