The 405th Combat Support Hospital Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), also known as a “unit crest,” was originally approved for the 39th Evacuation Hospital (Motorized) on 14 January 1943, but it was subsequently rescinded on 20 October 1961. The insignia was reinstated with an effective date of 8 September 1992 with the description and symbolism revised for the 405th Combat Support Hospital.
Crafted in maroon and white (silver) to reflect the unit’s status as a unit in the Army Medical Corps, the original evacuation mission of the organization is symbolized by the winged, maroon cross: the cross is the universal symbol of medical care and assistance, while wings denote the use of aviation assets to fulfill the mission. In the lower half of the insignia, a counterchanged spur gear is a symbol of the cooperation and dedication shown by the personnel working in the Hospital. VINCULUM VITAE, the Hospital’s motto, translates into “The Bond Of Life.”
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 (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.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."
The 405th Combat Support Hospital is an Army Reserve unit that has been called to active Military service for a variety of reasons, from deploying overseas to provide training for Joint international partners on the delivery of care on the battlefield to partnering with local health-care systems to carry out basic testing and diagnostic procedures.
When not deployed for active service, the unit is based in West Hartford, Connecticut and assigned to the 804th Medical Brigade, 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support).