US Army Dental Activity Fort Leonard Wood

US ARMY DENTAL ACTIVITY FORT LEONARD WOOD

Official blazon

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02cm) in height overall consisting of a silver lozenge with scalloped upper edges bearing on a silver-edged maroon cross throughout a silver cross flory its vertical bar entwined by two silver serpents, all above a tri-parted maroon scroll bearing in silver letters the words "CARE WITH PRIDE."

Origin/meaning

White (silver) and maroon are the colors associated with the Army Dental Corps. The maroon Greek cross and entwined serpents are traditional symbols of medical aid and refer to General Leonard Wood, who was also a physician. The scalloped edges suggest the terrain of the Ozark Mountain area and further simulate the outline of an Indian arrowhead in allusion to the unit's home area. The cross flory alludes to the French influence in the area, the name Ozark itself being of French derivation.

The Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 23 October 1981.

Literature: Image and Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.

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