Military Medical Brigade Patches History2

213th Med Bde	Mississippi Army National Guard Worn from: 10 September 1975 - Current. The cross, a symbol for aid and assistance, represents the medical mission of the organization. The blue trident, attribute of Neptune, "father of waters," refers to the Mississippi River and to the state of Mississippi, present home area of the brigade.
330th Med Bde	Worn from: 6 October 1993 - Current. Activated 30 December 1944 in the Philippine Islands. Maroon and white are the colors traditionally associated with the Medical Corps. Red suggests sacrifice and compassion. The four sections united by the cross symbolize teamwork and unity and highlight the unit's medical mission. The torch, symbolizing leadership and knowledge, is entwined by a serpent, recalling the staff of Aesculapius and underscoring healing and the medical arts. Campaigns: World War II (Leyte, Luzon). Decorations: Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (streamer embroidered 17 October 1944 - 4 July 1945).
332nd Med Bde	Worn from: 5 August 1985 - Current. The white stars on a blue field refer to the state flag of Tennessee, the unit's home area, and the V-shape of the base alludes to the state's nickname, the volunteer state. The scarlet cross is symbolic of medicine and surgery, the rounded top suggesting a capsule of medicine and the pointed bottom the edge of a scalpel. Campaigns: World War II (Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe), Armed Forces Expeditions (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait). Decorations: Meritorious Unit Commendation (streamer embroidered European Theater).
426th Med Bde	Worn from: 3 August 1994 - Current. Maroon and white are the colors traditionally associated with the Medical Corps; gold denotes excellence. The disc symbolizes mobility and quick response, and the triangle suggests the mountain state of Utah. The cross highlights medical care and compassion. The blue and green represent sky and grass and suggest life and the "Great Lifegiver." Campaigns: World War II (Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe).
807th Med Bde	Worn from: 26 January 1977 - Current. The cross and sword symbolize medical service in and for the military. The star alludes to Texas, the brigade's state of residence at reorganization. Campaigns: World War II (European-African-Middle Eastern theater).
818th Hosp Ctr	Worn from: 15 October 1990 - 15 July 1992. Re-designated: 818th Hospital Center. Worn from: 15 July 1992 - Current. The winged staff represents the mission of the unit. The yellow border symbolizes the complete and comprehensive support provided by the organization and continuity of service. Gold signifies excellence. Campaigns: World War II (Rhineland), Armed Forces Expeditions (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait).
USA MED COM EUR	Worn from: 7 May 1970 - 21 November 1978 The Maltese cross is a symbol which has been associated with medicine since the middle ages as an emblem of the Knights Hospitalers. The octagon is symbolic of health and regeneration, and the star alludes to the command function.
USA MED COM K	Worn from: 16 June 1977 - early 1980's. The octagonal shape is a reference to the Eighth United States Army, which the command supports; the red and blue of the background allude to the national flag of South Korea, the unit's area of operation. The cross is symbolic of medical aid and assistance.
HSC	Worn from: 15 January 1973 - 1994. The wings and serpents allude to the caduceus symbol representing all medical services, and the sword in place of a staff relates to the United States Army. The sword with point to bases is symbolic of sacrifice and mercy and alludes to the noncombatant role of the medical services.
USA Joint Mil Med Cmd	Worn from: 25 April 1989 - 1993. Maroon and white are the colors associated with the United States Army Medical Department. The red cross, a symbol of medical assistance and aid, represents the unit's mission. The star, a symbol of leadership, refers to the state of Texas and the first joint medical command. The torch and wings refer to the assignment of the unit to air training command and symbolize training and mobility.
USA Med Research and Mat Cmd	Worn from: 5 February 1979 - 1994. Re-designated: Medical Research and Material Command -- United States Army. Worn from: 1994 - Current. The flames symbolize the benefits and advancements in medicine brought about by the efforts of research and development. The unsheathed sword signifies the command's past role in a combat area and the continual ability to function in a combat mode through readiness. The single serpent indicates that the medical research program is limited to those problems which are unique to the military. The spherical segment denotes the worldwide activities of the command. The hexagon alludes to the symbol used in chemical formulas for the structure of matter. Gold (yellow) is symbolic of achievement.