The 427th Medical Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, was approved on 18 September 1970. Maroon and white (silver) are featured almost exclusively in the insignia, reflecting the organization’s status as part of the Army Medical Department. A maroon cross is a traditional symbol of physical care and humanitarian assistance and is the reference to the unit’s primary mission of medical support.
Surmounted on the cross is a blue disc with a unicorn’s head in profile and a silver border; the unicorn embodies strength, wisdom, and virtue, and it is also recalls legends that the unicorn’s horn is as a powerful antidote to poison and possesses other incredible healing properties. The blue background is for truth, tranquility, and faithfulness, while also referring to the sea. The fleurs-de-lis on the cross’ two arms and its stipes (the vertical component) denote the four campaigns that the Battalion took part in during World War II: Ardennes-Alsace, Northern France (HQ and HQ Detachment only), Rhineland, and Central Europe. “To Serve Our Defenders” is the Battalion motto.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, the Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The 429th Medical Battalion, also referred to as the 429th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, is a unit in the United States Army Reserve. When not called to active military service, it is assigned to the 5th Medical Brigade, 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support) and is headquartered at Savannah, Georgia. In addition to its HQ and HQA Detachment, it comprises three Medical Companies and six Medical Detachments stationed through the Southeastern United States, including in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana.
In May 2009, the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 429th Medical Battalion was selected for a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom while attached to the 2nd Medical between 29 January 2004 to 15 December 2004.