Commonly called a unit crest or DUI for short, the 44th Evacuation Hospital Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 17 September 1969. Its focal point is a cross in the center that is topped with a fleur-de-lis. The cross is a nearly universal sign of medical assistance and care and indicates the primary mission of the Hospital, and the a fleur-de-lis is an emblem recalling the unit's first combat service in Normandy during World War II. A white disc behind the cross is a reference to the circular Indian shield found on the state flag of Oklahoma.
A serpent entwined around a staff, commonly called the Rod of Asclepius or Staff of Asclepius, is a traditional symbol used to denote medical care; the design of the serpent here is based on an Indian version and thus references the unit's home area and activation at Oklahoma City. The lozenges on the horizontal arms of the cross stand for the eye of a Medicine Man, wise and ever-watchful. The unit motto of "Sooner" is another reference to the home state of Oklahoma, the "Sooner" state.
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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
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The 44th Evacuation Hospital is an inactivated, deactivated, or disbanded Army Reserve Unit. It participated in five campaigns in the European Theater during World War II, but did not see combat service again until the First Gulf War, classified as an Armed Forces Expedition. It is unclear when the unit's active status was terminated.