A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall consisting of two Cavalry sabers in saltire Proper, overall a sun in splendor Or charged with the numerals "13" Sable. On a scroll Or suspended from the hilts of the sabers the motto "IT SHALL BE DONE" Sable. All within a wreath of cactus on dexter side, palm on sinister side, Proper.
The sun in splendor is taken from the flag of South Dakota; the wreath shows the Philippine and Mexican Border service.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 13th Cavalry Regiment on 30 August 1922. It was redesignated for the 13th Armored Regiment (Light) on 6 September 1940. It was redesignated for the 13th Armored Regiment on 26 March 1942. It was redesignated for the 13th Medium Tank Battalion on 12 January 1953. The insignia was redesignated for the 13th Cavalry Regiment on 21 April 1958. It was redesignated for the 13th Armor Regiment on 31 January 1962. The insignia was redesignated for the 13th Cavalry Regiment with description updated on 23 May 2007.