A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a maroon cross patte bearing a white Althea blossom, all above and in front of a silver scroll inscribed "IN TIME OF NEED" in maroon letters.
The colors maroon and white are for the Army Medical Department. The cross, symbol of mercy, service and physical care, stands for the Hospital. Taken from the coat of arms of Rome, the capital of Italy, the cross patte commemorates the organization's participation in three campaigns in that country during World War II. The Althea blossom, the national flower of Korea, is a symbol of healing and of hope. It stands for the war service for which the Hospital was awarded the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation streamers.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 6 August 1969.