Red Cross
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever wears or displays the sign of the Red Cross or any insignia colored in imitation thereof for the fraudulent purpose of inducing the belief that he is a member of or an agent for the American National Red Cross; or
Whoever, whether a corporation, association or person, other than the American National Red Cross and its duly authorized employees and agents and the sanitary and hospital authorities of the armed forces of the United States, uses the emblem of the Greek red cross on a white ground, or any sign or insignia made or colored in imitation thereof or the words "Red Cross" or "Geneva Cross" or any combination of these words—
Shall be or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
This section shall not make unlawful the use of any such emblem, sign, insignia or words which was lawful on the date of enactment of this title.
History: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 732 (PDF, 39 MB); May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §17, 63 Stat. 92 (PDF, 5.2 MB); Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(E), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2146 (PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to wear or display the Red Cross sign to falsely make people think one is a member or agent of the American Red Cross. It is also a crime for anyone other than the American Red Cross and military medical services to use the red cross emblem or the words "Red Cross" or "Geneva Cross."