For the first six years of its existence, the unit known today as the 338th Medical Brigade was designated a Hospital Train, first as the 59th Hospital Train during World War II and then as the 396th Hospital Train when it was allotted to the Organized Reserves (which became the Army Reserve in 1952). In May 1950 it was designated as the 338th Medical Group, a title it would retain over 50 years until it received its current designation on 17 September 2002. Throughout those decades and beyond in the Army Reserve, the unit was stationed at a variety of locations in Pennsylvania: Connellsville, Altoona, Folsom, and Chester before moving to its current home in Horsham in 2011.
As of Winter 2024, the Brigade remains allotted to the U.S. Army Reserve and consists of its HQ and HQ Company, 48th Combat Support Hospital, and the 442nd Multifunctional Medical Battalion. It is a subordinate of the Reserve's Medical Command (Deployment Support).
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The 338th Medical Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, was originally approved while the unit was designated as the 338th Medical Group on 29 November 1972. “Sound Body Sharp Mind,” the unit motto, is showcased on scrolls on the top and bottom of the unit crest to emphasize the overarching mission of treatment for Soldiers as individuals. A scarlet Greek cross is an emblem of assistance and aid, while the keystone behind it is a reference to the unit’s long association with Pennsylvania, the Keystone State. A locomotive wheel in the middle of the cross recalls the units World War II service as a Hospital Train.Distinctive Unit Insignias are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
More guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.Related Items
338th Medical Brigade Patch (SSI)