A gold color metal and enamel insignia 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a green triangular mountain, the summit behind the lower part of a gold and scarlet and blue device in the shape and background design of the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia of the I Field Force, Vietnam; overall an unsheathed Crusader sword with point up, the hilt gold and the blade of white between two gold diagonal tapering rays issuing from the lower edges of the blue area and extending over the green area all within a circular gold scroll passing behind the upper part of the "shield" device and the ends terminating at the gold rays with the inscription "FIRST FOR" on the left and "FREEDOM" on the right all in scarlet letters, the ends of the scroll connected by two narrow gold concentric arcs; the inner arc coinciding with the inner diameter of the scroll, the areas between the scroll, "shield" and mountain being pierced.
The operational and numerical designation of the organization are indicated by the red, gold (yellow) and blue device in the shape and background design of the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia of the I Field Force, Vietnam, the unsheathed Crusader sword, which has become associated with Vietnam, also simulating in this instance the numerical "One (of "First"). The green mountain alludes to the terrain and vegetation of the Central Highlands, the major operational combat area of the I Field Force. The rays allude to constant alertness and combat readiness in both attack and defense and, in leading into and cutting through the mountainous jungle terrain, indicate the "seek and destroy" tactics of jungle warfare; the open circular scroll simulating an envelopment or pincers movement. Jungle trails and lines of communication and supply are indicated by the marrow gold lines and arcs. The motto "First For Freedom" reflects the organization's spirit and determination; it is also a reference to the organization's numerical designation and in the alliterative use of the initial letter of each word alludes to "I (First) Field Force."
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 4 October 1968. It was rescinded on 28 September 1976.