Two crosses—one a traditional Greek cross, the other a variation of the Cross of Jeremiah—serve as the focal point of the 172nd Medical Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, better known as a unit crest or a DUI
The insignia’s maroon and white hues are associated with Medical Corps units, with the brighter red in the insignia standing for valor and sacrifices. The crosses are symbols of aid and healing and thus highlight the Battalion’s ultimate mission. Demi-fleurs-de-lis on the ends of the Cross of Jeremiah variation recall the unit’s service in World War II in Central Europe and France, and the smaller red cross celebrates the Meritorious Unit commendation the Battalion had been awarded prior to the insignia’s approval in 1995.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. More guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.
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A unit in the United States Army Reserve, the 172nd Medical Battalion is a component of the 330th Medical Brigade, which is under the bailiwick of the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support). Stationed in Ogden, Utah, the 172nd Medical Battalion was called in to active duty at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its exceptional service between 20 March 2003 and 15 December 2003, living up to the lofty standards espoused in its unit motto of "Service Excellence Support."
As of Autumn 2023, the 172nd Medical Battalion is still assigned to the 330th Medical Brigade, with its HQ and HQ Detachment based at Ogden, Utah. Its subordinate units include two Companies (477th in Duluth, Minnesota and and 971st in Ogden) and two Detachments (the 983rd in Fort Snelling, Minnesota and 987th in Ogden).