A shield divided into quarters of ultramarine blue and golden orange, official branch colors of Army Aviation, is the focal point of the 224th Aviation Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, a device often referred to as a “unit crest” or a DUI. The quartering of the shield alludes to the arms of the Crossland family, and the winged horse superimposed in the center is a symbol of freedom, flight, and lofty ideals. “Free Dominion,” the Regimental motto, was created by using parts of the nicknames of Maryland (“The Free State”) and Virginia (“The Old Dominion) and references the Regimental units found in those states.
Also called a “unit crest” or a DUI, the 224th Aviation Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 1 October 1987.
The 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. 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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Although the 224th Aviation Regiment was not constituted until 1 October 1987 in the Maryland and Virginia Army National Guard as a parent regiment in the U.S. Army Regimental System, it was organized from existing units to comprise the 1st Battalion and Companies D, E, and F, all elements of the 29th Infantry Division.
Thanks to the rich history and lineage of these existing organizations, the Regiment’s 2nd Battalion is credited with eighteen Civil War Campaigns in the service of the Confederacy, as well as service in World War I and participation in four World War II campaigns (with an Arrowhead device for the Normandy campaign streamer for having taken part in an assault landing).
In the War on Terrorism, the 2nd Battalion has also served in three campaigns in Iraq: National Resolution, Iraqi Surge, and New Dawn. Less Company C, the 2nd Battalion earned a Navy Unit Commendation and a Meritorious Unit commendation for service in Iraq 2006-2007 and 2011, respectively, while Company C was individually selected for Meritorious Unit Commendation for service in Iraq in 2005-2006.
The Regiment’s units serve in the Army National Guard of several states, with its most recently published reorganization listing them as Maryland, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.