A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a white quadrate bearing throughout a scarlet saltire and surmounted by a maroon Greek cross, the four arms extending slightly beyond the quadrate, the quadrate issuing in base from a gold convex arched area, the oblique sides coinciding with an imaginary extension of the vertical axes of the arms of the saltire, bearing a blue (ultramarine) lion passant guard (with red mouth and tongue), an arched mount issuing from the upper and each of the vertical sides of the quadrate; that at top of blue (ultramarine) and those at the sides of green (mosstone), and each bearing throughout three pointed gold rays issuing from the ends of the cross.
The scarlet saltire on white, suggested by the Alabama state flag, surrounded by mountains, alludes to Ft. McClellan (Anniston) where the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity and Noble General Hospital, represented by the maroon cross, are located. The blue area or mount refers to Blue Mountain to the north and the green areas or mounts refer to Coldwater Mountain to the west and the Choccolocco Range to the east. The blue also refers to the nearby Coosa River and the Alabama skies, the green alluding to the forests (such as Talladega) and other verdure. The green (mosstone) and gold refer to the Womens Army Corps Center, which is located at Ft. McClellan. The blue lion, taken from the coat of arms of the Noble family, refers particularly to Major General Robert E. Noble for whom the Hospital was named. It also refers to the city of Anniston which was planned and founded in 1872 by a member of the Noble family. The three gold rays issuing from the upper vertical and horizontal ends of the cross allude to the prevention, cure and alleviation of injury and disease. The color green is emblematic of medicine because its color is that of herbs and green was the ancient academic medical color; the two green areas allude to the science and art of medicine, and to the role of the physician and the surgeon respectively. The lion, when used on a talisman, is a symbol of health; it is also a military emblem and signifies courage, tenacity and perseverance. The color blue is symbolic of loyalty and faith, and maroon and white are used for the Army Medical Department.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the Noble Army Hospital on 30 January 1970. It was redesignated for the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, Fort McClellan.