The 49th Medical Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, also called a “unit crest” or a DUI, was approved on 13 January 1969 and was amended on 16 September 2011 to update the symbolism and the description
Maroon and white/silver, the colors traditionally associated with Army Medical units, are used exclusively in the insignia. In the center is a unicorn’s head, featured because the horn of the mythical animal is purported to have great healing powers and curative qualities, particularly as an antidote against poison, and thus symbolizes the Battalion’s basic mission. Above the unicorn’s head is the top of a medieval tower, an allusion to areas in Central Europe and the Rhineland where the Battalion’s predecessor unit earned Battle Honors during World War II. “Perseverance Prevails” is the Battalion motto.
An Army Reserve unit, the 39th Medical Battalion is assigned to the 332nd Medical Brigade, 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support). It is headquartered in Puerto Nuevo, Puerto Rico.
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The 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 (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.
For Enlisted personnel, the insignia is 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.
Full 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.