Commonly referred to as a unit crest, the Distinctive Insignia (DUI) of the 424th Medical Battalion was originally approved for the 324th Medical Unit on 28 October 1981. It was redesignated for the 424th Medical Battalion, along with a revised description, with an effective date of 16 February 1995.
In the center of the insignia is a white disc of maroon, white, and gold; maroon and white are traditional Army Medical Corps colors, while gold signifies excellence and outstanding achievement. The symbol on the disc is actually the symbol used on military maps to represent a medical depot, and the rays emanating from it are for the beneficial and helpful aspects of the various services provided by the Battalion. The inscription “The Soldiers Lifeline” rendered in gold on a maroon scroll is the Battalion motto.
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."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
When not called to active military service, the HQ and HQ Detachment, 424th Multi-Functional Medical Battalion is assigned to the 338th Medical Brigade, one five Brigades reporting to the U.S. Army Reserve’s 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support). It is located in Edgemont, Pennsylvania.
The Battalion’s commitment to providing medical care and assistance to all in need recognized with its selection for a Meritorious Unit Commendation, announced first in Army Permanent Order 167-11 released in June 2010 and officially confirmed with Army General Order 2013-55 issued on 24 September 2013.
While assigned or attached to the HHC, 30th Medical Command between 1 May 2009 to 26 January 2010 in Afghanistan, the Battalion’s expertise and care nota only helped the Command achieve an amazing 99% survival rate for wounded Coalition Troops, but it also aided in various humanitarian efforts such as combating malnutrition among children in the local Afghan population.