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.
The 279th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the unit under that designation on 26 September 1952. It was redesignated for the 279th Cavalry Regiment on 1 September 2008 but with an effective date of 1 September 2007. Its designation was reverted back to the 279th Infantry Regiment on 1 December 2008.
Blue and white, the colors of Infantry, are the predominant tones on the shield and scroll that comprise the insignia. A white bend (diagonal bar) simulates a baldric, or sword sling, worn as a sign of military honor. The fleur-de-lis in the upper left is for service in France during World War I. Lightning bolts are an allusion to the swift striking capability of the Infantry and also symbolize the Regiment’s assault landing at Sicily and in Southern France in World War II, for which the Regiment was awarded two Arrowhead devices to accompany the streamers for those campaigns. “Movin’ On” is the Regimental motto.
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 Regiments origins date back to 1890 at the constitution of the 1st Infantry Regiment in the Oklahoma Volunteer Militia, which five years later became the Oklahoma National Guard. Mustered into Federal service as the 1st Infantry, Oklahoma National Guard on 5 August 1917, the unit was consolidated with 7th Infantry, Texas National Guard to become the 142nd Infantry and was assigned to the 36th Division and would serve in the Meuse-Argonne campaign during World War I.
Following a brief demobilization period after the war, the Regiment was redesignated as the 180th Infantry and assigned to the 45th Division, which was redesignated the 45th Infantry Division in 1942. As part of the 45th ID, the Regiment fought in eight World War II campaigns in Italy, Germany, and Central Europe, earning three Arrowhead devices for assault landings and a French Croix de Guerre with Palm; the HQ Company of the Regiment’s 1st Battalion was also tapped for two Meritorious Unit Commendations, while Company D, 1st Battalion was selected for a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and credited with participation in two campaigns in the Pacific.
In 1946, elements of the 180th Infantry were reorganized into the 279th Infantry, Oklahoma National Guard and subsequently called into active Federal service on 1 September 1950; the unit took part in four Korean War campaigns and its service was honored with two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations. Beginning in 1959, the Regiment was reorganized so its component units—originally the 1st Battle Group, but the 1st and/or 2nd Battalions thereafter—were elements of the 45th Infantry Brigade.
In 2005 it was redesignated as the 279th Infantry Regiment, followed by a 15-month period designated as the 279th Calvary Regiment (from September 2007 to December 2008); the Regiment received its first Meritorious Unit Commendation while designated as a Cavalry unit. Its second MUC in the War on Terrorism was awarded for service in Afghanistan in 2011.
As of 2021, the four Companies (A-D) of 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment are assigned to the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard and is headquartered at Sand Springs, Oklahoma.