The U.S. Army Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) Fort Stewart-Hunter Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Stewart on 2 June 1970. It was redesignated to reflect the new title on 27 August 1973.
A scarlet cross denotes the MEDDCAC located at Fort Stewart-Hunter, Georgia, while the blue and white checkered squares with a gold trim were inspired by the coat of arms of the Stewart clan of Scotland—specifically the clans of General Daniel Stewart of Revolutionary War fame after whom the Fort (originally Camp) was named. The checks are also a reference to the MEDDAC’s ability to accurately and efficiently conduct tests and examinations with the aim of controlling the spread of sickness and death. There are twenty-seven squares in all, a number that numerologically means life impulse and good health.
Oak leaves at the bottom of the insignia are sign of strength and good health, and they also recall that the oak is the state tree of Georgia. “Health Through Service” is the MEDDAC’s motto.
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Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is 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. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.Enlisted personnel wear the insignia centered on a shoulder loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.
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.