Information derived from the U.S. Army Center of Military History, current as of 4 October 2018
DUI Symbolism
The black background of the octagon refers to the darkness of ignorance in reference to the uninformed state of mind of the Battalion’s target audience. The white border conveys light and knowledge and points to the unit’s goal of enlightening the mind by means of persuasion. The lightning flashes imply radio broadcasts or oral words; the quill is for written words and together they represent the methods used by the organization to persuade the target audience. The eight sides suggest the Battalion’s numerical designation.
DUI Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally authorized for the 8th Psychological Operations Battalion on 7 Jan 1969. It was amended to correct the description on 4 Feb 1969. The insignia was amended on 22 Mar 1993 to include the metric measurement in the description and revise the symbolism.
Constituted 7 November 1967 in the Regular Army as the 8th Psychological Operations Battalion
Activated 1 December 1967 in Vietnam
Inactivated 27 June 1971 at Fort Lewis, Washington
Activated 13 September 1972 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Reorganized and redesignated 16 March 1990 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Psychological Operations Battalion
Reorganized and redesignated 16 November 1995 as Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Company, 8th Psychological Operations Battalion (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated with personnel from provisional units)
Campaign Participation Credit
Vietnam
- Counteroffensive, Phase III
- Tet Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase IV
- Counteroffensive, Phase V
- Counteroffensive, Phase VI
- Tet 69/Counteroffensive
- Summer-Fall 1969
- Winter-Spring 1970
- Sanctuary Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase VII
Southwest Asia
- Defense of Saudi Arabia
- Liberation and Defense of Kuwait
War on Terrorism
- Global War on Terrorism
Decorations
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1967-1968
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA 1990-1991
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST ASIA 2002-2003
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered WAR ON TERRORISM 2005-2006
Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1967-1971