1st Medical Brigade, US Army

1ST MEDICAL BRIGADE, US ARMY

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a white rectangle arced at top and bottom with a 1/8 inch (.32cm) yellow border, 2 inches (5.08cm) in width and 3 inches (7.62cm) in height overall, a maroon cross throughout bearing a yellow rod entwined by a green snake with a red eye.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A maroon shield bearing within a wreath of silver oak leaves the helmet of an esquire charged with the shoulder sleeve insignia of the First Division, a shield with the figure "1." All above a silver scroll bearing the inscription "FORTITUDE AND COMPASSION" in black letters.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: Maroon and white are the colors used by Army Medical Department units; gold is for excellence. The staff of Aesculapius and the maroon cross symbolize the medical arts and allude to the mission of the brigade.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: Maroon and white (silver) are the colors used by the Army Medical Service. The red numeral "1" on an olive drab shield is the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 1st Division as authorized 31 October 1918, and with which the unit served in World War I. The helmet indicates the military character of the organization.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved 6 Jun May 2000. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 1st Medical Regiment on 19 December 1923. It was redesignated and amended to include the motto for the 1st Medical Group on 20 March 1968. On 26 Apr 1968 it was amended to correct the symbolism. The insignia was redesignated on 6 June 2000 for the 1st Medical Brigade.

Literature: Images from Wikimedia Commons. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.