344th Combat Support Hospital, US Army

344TH COMBAT SUPPORT HOSPITAL, US ARMY

Official blazon

A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a maroon demi-fleur-de-lis above a maroon Greek cross surmounted by a white cross, all between two green lateral arched oak leaves, stems entwined in base and leaf ends conjoining the outer tips of the demi-fleur-de-lis.

Origin/meaning

Maroon and white are the colors for the Army Medical Department and green is the color of the robe of the ancient physician. A cross is symbolic of aid and assistance and oak indicates strength and sturdiness. The leaves connote trees and the demi-fleur-de-lis France; together they refer to the organization’s participation in the Meuse-Argonne campaign during World War I. The two crosses are used to refer to the unit’s World War II service in the European-African-Middle East Theater.

The Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 344th General Hospital on 4 November 1971. It was redesignated effective 16 June 1997 for the 344th Combat Support Hospital.

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

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