17TH FIELD HOSPITAL
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A silver metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in width overall consisting of an inverted wreath of two green palm branches surmounted at its lower half by a silver horizontal stretcher crossed vertically by a black bolo knife.  Encircling the device and surmounted on the bottom by the hand grip of the bolo knife a maroon scroll with the inscription on top "SENTINELS OF HEALTH" in silver letters.

Symbolism
Maroon and white are the colors used for Medical battalions.  The palms and bolo knife, indigenous of the Philippines, symbolize the organization's service in World War II for which they received the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.  The stretcher alludes to medical service in the field.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 14 November 1968.





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