The Distinctive Unit Insignia for the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, Japan was originally approved for the U.S. Army Hospital, Camp Zuma, Japan on 18 February 1971. On 17 July 1974, it was redesignated and amended for the U.S. Army Hospital, Honshu, then was redesignated and amended for the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC), Japan on 26 November 1974. The insignia was rescinded a little over two years later on 28 February 1977, then was reinstated for U.S. Army MEDDAC on 1 October 1982.
A white cross at the top of the insignia is a traditional emblem used to denote assistance and aid, while the red disc with gold border is taken from the Japanese flag. Below the cross, a maroon circle with eight spokes and containing a disc is a reference to the various elements of MEDDAC. “Restore The Strength” is the unit motto.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
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 (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.
Enlisted personnel wear the insignia centered on the loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.
Full 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.