A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall, blazoned: Sanguine, a battle-axe with fracted handle bendwise, the pieces overlapping and bound together by a snake Argent.
The shield is maroon, the first named color of the Medical Department. The battle-axe with broken handle represents the fighting strength of the military forces impaired by sickness or injury. The snake, symbolizing the Medical Department in its function of mending and healing, is shown as binding together the pieces of the broken handle and restoring the weapon to combat efficiency.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved on 9 August 1941. It was rescinded on 27 February 1951. It was reinstated on 23 October 1952. The insignia was amended to correct the description and add a symbolism on 16 January 1987.