The 345th Combat Support Hospital Distinctive Unit Insignia, better known as a DUI or “unit crest,” was originally approved on 6 August 1973 while the unit was still designated as the 345th Evacuation Hospital. It was redesignated to reflect the organization’s new name and assignment as the 345th Combat Support Hospital on 7 September 1976.
The 345th CSH was tapped for a Meritorious Unit Commendation in May 2009 for its service between March and May of the same year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, with special notice made of the unit’s “superior medical care, flexibility in mission support, innovative training capabilities, and tremendous dedication in meet the Joint Service’s multi-national mission.”
A unit in the United States Army Reserve, the 345th Combat Support Hospital is assigned to the 332nd Medical Brigade, 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support), a major command in the Army Reserve. As of Autumn 2023, the 345th CSH comprises three units based in Florida (319th and 788th Medical Detachments and the 1878th Hospital Augmentation), one in South Carolina (874th Medical Detachment), one in North Carolina (382nd Medical Detachment).
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is 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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
A Greek cross, a longtime symbol of aid and assistance in heraldry, is combined with a demi-sunburst to visually denote the mission and location of the 345th Combat Support Hospital at Jacksonville, Florida, often referred to as the “Sunshine State.” The stylized eucalyptus leaves recall the tree that is successfully grown in the state and which has significant medicinal value. An alligator superimposed on the cross instantly evokes images of the Florida Everglades; it is known for its strength, heartiness, and long life. The demi-sunburst symbolizes good health and healing and alludes to the mission of the unit, which as the motto states is to “Serve Treat Train.”
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.