Worn on the Army Service Uniform, the 44th Medical Brigade Combat Service ID Badge is a metal facsimile of the color version of the Brigade’s Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or unit patch, that was at one time worn on the sleeve of the Class A Green Service uniform. The design of that insignia was approved on 5 October 1966, but the symbolism and description have been revised to reflect the Brigade’s current mission.
Maroon and white are used because they have long been the colors of the Army Medical Service. Stars are symbols of command in heraldry, and the gold star here superimposed over the maroon star symbolizes the Brigade’s command of the many subordinate units reporting to it. Four gold star points and four maroon star points yields “4” and “4” as an allusion to the Brigade’s numerical designation.
Taking part in twelve campaigns, the 44th Medical Brigade was extremely active during the Vietnam War—but arguably no one was more active in the Brigade than Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Novosel. Over the course of two tours, the helicopter pilot flew over 2500 missions, extracting 5,589 wounded Americans—one of them being his son, Michael Novosel, Jr. Flying with the 283rd Medical Detachment and then the 82nd Medical Detachment, CWO4 Novosel was awarded a mind-boggling 64 Air Medals (some came from earlier service in World War II and Korea) and the Medal of Honor, the latter for service with the 82nd MD in 1969.
Today, the 44th Medical Brigade is stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg). Subordinate units include two Combat Support Hospitals, six Medical Detachments (one Veterinary), a Blood Support Detachment, a Combat Operation Stress Control unit, a Hospital Center, a Multifunctional Medical Battalion, Dental Company, and a Medical Laboratory.
Related Items:
44th Medical Brigade Patch (SSI)
44th Medical Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)44th Medical Brigade Flash and Oval