A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a mace whose head is a six-pointed star, gold, in base relief, the twelve facets sloping from the center. About the handle of the mace, a blue scroll edged laterally with gold, in two obverse dexter folds. On the upper fold the word "COURAGE" and on the lower fold "SANS PEUR" all gold.
The mace is taken from the arms of Colmar in Alsace, near which town the Regiment first went into action during World War I. The scroll is also taken from the same coat of arms and its blue color signifies Infantry. The motto translates to "Courage Without Fear."
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 53d Infantry Regiment on 12 March 1929. It was redesignated for the 53d Infantry Battalion on 3 February 1947. The insignia was redesignated for the 53d Airborne Infantry Regiment on 18 May 1951. It was redesignated for the 53d Infantry Regiment on 24 March 1955.