Upon a blue square 2 inches (5.08 cm), three white stripes each 3/8 inch (.95 cm) in width from heraldic sinister chief to dexter base; the blue background between the white stripes also being 3/8 inch (.95 cm) in width; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) Army Green border. The overall dimension is 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) on each side.
The three white stripes of the insignia are symbolical of the three major operations in which the division participated during World War I. The blue field symbolizes the loyalty of those who placed their lives on the altar of self-sacrifice in defense of the American ideals of liberty and democracy.
This insignia was originally approved by telegram for the 3d Division on 24 October 1918. It was officially announced on 20 June 1922. The insignia was amended to correct the wording of the description on 11 October 1922. It was redesignated for the 3d Infantry Division retroactive to 1 August 1942 and amended to include the border in the description. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-78)