A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of an ultramarine blue square angle up bearing the silver head and neck of a dragon issuing from base and lower right side between two elevated white wings counterwise, the tips touching above the square and issuing in base from a stylized silver motto scroll lined with ultramarine blue and inscribed "Sky Dragons" in ultramarine blue letters, the internal areas between the square and wings and the square and scroll of scarlet with upper area bearing three silver five-pointed stars, one and two.
The design was suggested by the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia, history and mission of the XVIII Airborne Corps. The dragon and the wings symbolize mobility, endurance, surprise and ferocity of attack by airborne units. The red areas allude to the field and skies of war, the 3 stars referring to the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe Campaigns, World War II, in which the organization participated. The colors white and blue are used for all Corps.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 25 June 1969.