Medical Section, consisting of two plans officers, a supply and maintenance officer, a chief medical non-commissioned officer, a typist and a driver. The Medical Directorate was physically located at Headquarters, 1st Logistical Command throughout the period, but on 1 October 1966 all functions of the section were absorbed by staff sections of the 44th, and the office at the Logistical Headquarters was retained for liaison purposes only. The supply officer continued working in the Brigade S-4, the assistant plans officer became the S-3 of the 43d Medical Group, while the plans officer, the medical NCO, the typist, and the driver remained at the Logistical Command for liaison. After the 44th Medical Brigade became operational on 1 May, the mission remained essentially the same as it had been for the Medical Brigade (Provisional). A more detailed account of the mission stated that the Commanding Officer, 44th Medical Brigade, in support of USARV elements, would: Provide area medical support to units without an assigned organic medical support capability Provide dental service on an area basis Provide a system of hospitalization and evacuation Supervise professional medical services of subordinate units Exercise custody of medical records and render reports on patients treated Collect, evaluate, interpret, and consolidate required medical statistical data from assigned or attached units and submit to this headquarters, as required. Provide technical inspection and maintenance support of medical equipment and supplies Provide medical supply for US Forces and for designated Free World Military Assistance Forces as directed by the 1st Logistical Command Provide veterinary food inspection and animal veterinary service Provide preventive maintenance support Provide medical laboratory support Provide medical equipment maintenace and repair facilitation Support the medical equipment status reporting system Provide for medical regulation of patients intra-army or as directed by 1st Logistical Command Provide for the security of personnel, equipment, facilities, and billets of elements of the 1st Logistical Command assigned or attached to the Brigade The Brigade Commander retained his other role as Medical Director, 1st Logistical Command. The staff organization of the Brigade continued to function along similar lines, though with expanded activities and responsibilities. Colonel Wier became USARV Surgeon on 10 June 1966. On 13 June 1966 a change of command ceremony was held within the 44th Medical Brigade compound where Colonel Wier turned command of the Brigade over to Colonel Ray L. Miller, MC. Major Stuart A. Chamblin, Jr., MC, served as Deputy Commander