MEDDAC
Alaska
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02cm) in
height overall consisting of a blue enamel cloud of three lobes
charged with seven gold stars in the form of the constellation
Big Dipper, in base a row of six stylized white enamel mountain
peaks bearing in lower base center a scarlet enamel Greek cross,
all above a maroon enamel scroll bearing the inscription, "ABOVE
ALL WE CARE" in gold letters
SymbolismThe Big Dipper is a symbol of the State of Alaska where the U.S.
Army Medical Department Activity - Alaska is located. The seven
stars also refer to Captain John W, Bassett's medico-military
service with the 7th Medical Battalion of the 7th Infantry
Division after whom an element of the U.S. Army Medical
Department Activity - Alaska was named. The stylized mountain
peaks allude to the Aleutian Islands of the Alaskan Range and
especially Attu Island where Captain Bassett was killed in
action during World War II. The six mountain peaks symbolize the
Pythagorean number for life and good fortune and also the number
of divisions of the body, two arms, two legs, the head and the
torso. The scarlet cross is a symbol used by medical units.
Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the
Bassett Army Hospital on 29 Oct 1969. It was redesignated for
the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity - Alaska on 7 Jan
1976.
AKO
