On a red shield 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width overall, between two segments of a yellow arched embattled fess, a sword, with yellow hilt and white blade, point to top, all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border.
Yellow and red the Vietnam colors. The red ground alludes to the infiltration and aggression from beyond the embattled "wall" (i.e., the Great Wall of China). The opening in the "wall" through which this infiltration and aggression flow is blocked by the sword representing United States military aid and support. The "wall" is arched and the sword pointed upward in reference to the offensive action pushing the aggressors back.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the U.S. Army Personnel Serving in Vietnam on 1o February 1966. It was amended to correct the authorization to wear by U.S. Army Personnel Assigned to the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, retroactive to 10 February 1966 on 22 September 1971. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-309)