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
The 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.
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.