A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a gold serpent in the form of a reversed letter S holding in its mouth a maroon scroll in the form of a letter S with two twists around the center of the serpents body bearing in gold letters the words EXCELLENCE on the upper twist and THROUGH PRIDE on the lower twist, the background areas above and below center of white each crossed with a wavy blue bar and placed diagonally from lower right to upper left passing behind the scroll at center a black unicorn horn with gold spiral from base to point.
The colors maroon and white are used by the Army Medical Department. The serpent is adapted from the crest and the unicorn horn is a reference to the supporters (gold unicorns with black horns) of the arms of Bristol, England, the approximate location of the Groups World War II activation and service. In medieval times and even into the 18th century pharmacies carried scrapings of unicorn horns to which they attributed curative powers. The two areas of white with blue waves refer to the port cities of Bristol, England where the Group was activated, and Boston, Massachusetts where they are presently headquartered.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 26 November 1969.