A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a white cross composed of a vertical shaft with spearhead of a Roman pilum and a horizontal way bar, all entwined by a maroon serpent the upper part simulating a 3 the lower part a 6, all in front of a gold wreath composed of olive leaves on one flank and oak leaves on the other, and all above a circular gold scroll inscribed AUXILIUM CITO in black letters.
Maroon and white are the colors used for the Army Medical Service. The Battalions campaign honors awarded for service in Italy, World War II, are commemorated by the olive and oak wreath from the coat of arms of Italy, and the ancient Roman pilum to denote the assault landing in Sicily. The spearhead of the latter also connotes speed and the spirit of the units motto. The serpent, an ancient symbol of healing, and the cross refer to the medical mission of the organization; the wavy bar refers to the flow of medical supplies and services. The entwined form of the serpent alludes to the numerical designation of the organization. The motto translates to Aid Speedily.
A distinctive unit insignia of the same design as the coat of arms was approved for the 36th Medical Battalion (Ambulance) (Bus) on 17 September 1942. That design was cancelled on 18 December 1961. The above distinctive unit insignia was approved for the 36th Medical Battalion on 23 October 1967.