Army Medical Regimental Corps Crest (Old Version)

United States Army Medical Regimental Corps Crest (Old Version)

Criteria: The Medical Regimental Corps Crest is one of the Army's 14 Regimental Corps Crest insignias. The Regimental Corps Crest signifies each service member's unique regiment and is worn over the right breast pocket on the Class A uniform. The design of the shield is based on a historical heraldic device first used in 1818 by the Army Medical Department. The white stars on a blue background and the red and white stripes represent the United States flag of 1818. The green staff entwined with the serpent, originating in mythology, is symbolic of medicine and healing. Green was the color associated with the Corps during the last half of the nineteenth century. The cross and the wreath are adapted from devices authorized for hospital stewards and other enlisted men when the Hospital Corps was established in 1887. The seven stars emphasize the elements of the organization: Medical Corps, Army Nurse Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, Medical Service Corps, Army Specialist Corps, and the Enlisted Medical Specialist. The colors Argent and Gules on the coat of arms are those associated with the Army Medical Department. The motto "TO CONSERVE FIGHTING STRENGTH" reflects the medical mission. The insignia was originally approved for wear on April 17, 1986 but the size was decreased from 1 1/4 inch to 1 inch on August 28, 1986.

Note: This is the obsolete version of the Medical Regimental Corps Crest.