A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a silver serpent entwined about a vertical silver sword point up, the serpent's body suggesting the Arabic numeral nine, all on a maroon cross encircled at the sides and top by an undulating green scroll bearing the inscription "CARE THRU PERSEVERANCE" in silver letters.
Maroon and white are the colors traditionally associated with the Medical Corps. The serpent is adapted from the staff of Aesculapius, an ancient symbol of healing, and the sword denotes the military nature of the organization. The serpent's body suggests the Arabic numeral nine in reference to the unit's designation. The cross is a symbol of care and healing, and the undulating green scroll symbolizes the Rhineland and the unit's participation in that campaign during World War II.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 23 October 1979.