32nd Medical Brigade, US Army

32ND MEDICAL BRIGADE, US ARMY

History: Organized 1 June 1940 in the Regular Army at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, as Provisional Medical Battalion, The Medical Field Service School. Consolidated 11 August 1940 with the 32d Medical Battalion (concurrently constituted in the Regular Army), and consolidated unit designated as the 32d Medical Battalion. Inactivated 30 April 1948 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Redesignated 19 August 1992 as the 132d Medical Battalion Headquarters, 132d Medical Battalion, redesignated 1 October 2002 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 32d Medical Brigade (remainder of the battalion disbanded); concurrently transferred to the United States Army Medical Command and activated at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: On a white diamond-shape, all sides equal within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) maroon border, 3 1/2 inches (8.89 cm) in height overall bearing a maroon couped cross surmounted by a yellow torch superimposed by a white star.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: A Silver color metal and enamel insignia 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Sanguine bendwise a torch Argent flaming Or entwined with a snake Vert. Attached below the shield a Silver scroll inscribed "CONSERVAMUS PERSONIS" in Black letters.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: Maroon and white are the colors traditionally used by the Medical units. The diamond shape of the insignia signifies courage and energy of the cadre, to educate and direct the troops in the field of Health Sciences. The couped cross, universal symbol for medical care, denotes the brigade's focus on medical service. The torch refers to guidance and knowledge, and the brigade's mission of training the troops. The star symbolizes Texas, the largest state in the Continental United States and location of the 32d Medical Brigade.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: The shield is maroon, the first named color of the Medical Department. The torch represents knowledge entwined by the green serpent, taken from the staff of Aesculapius, the Father of Medicine. The motto translates to "We Conserve the Personnel."

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved on 9 October 2002. It was amended to correct the symbolism on 23 October 2002. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 32d Medical Battalion on 13 January 1941. It was redesignated for the 132d Medical Battalion on 20 August 1992. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 October 2002, with description and symbolism updated for the 32d Medical Brigade.

Literature: Images and Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army