U.S. ARMY 16TH COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE UNIT CREST (DUI)

u.s. army 16th aviation group unit crest

The 16th Combat Aviation Group Distinctive Unit Insignia, or unit crest, was approved on 8 June 1968 while the unit was still designated as the 16th Aviation Group. A falcon’s head in the middle is emblematic of the unit’s aeronautical capabilities, and the purple mountain’s behind it are an allusion to the mountainous terrain in the northernmost part of the Republic of Vietnam where the unit was activated (20 December 1967).

Three peaks represent the threefold effort of the United States, Vietnam, and free World military forces to repel the North Vietnamese. A black area beneath the mountains represents battle, and the gold and red background is inspired by the national colors of the Republic of Vietnam. The unbroken blue annulet stands for continuous and valiant efforts to achieve mission success.

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.

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.

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The 16th Aviation Group was inactivated at Fort Lewis, Washington on 14 November 1971, having earned a Valorous Unit Award from the U.S. Army and four Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm awards from the government of South Vietnam. The unit had been activated in Vietnam at the height of the conflict, making it quite easy for the unit to settle on a motto: “Born in Battle.”

Redesignated as the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade and activated at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, the unit is now based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. As of Autumn 2023, it is assigned to the 7th Infantry Division and consists of three Aviation Battalions (4-6th Air Cavalry, 1-229th Attack, 12-158th Assault), a General Support Battalion (1-52nd), and the 46th Aviation Support Battalion.

Related Items
16th Combat Aviation Brigade Unit Patch (SSI)
16th Combat Aviation Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)

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U.S. ARMY 16TH COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE UNIT CREST (DUI)