A gold colored metal and enamel device 1 5/32 inches (2.94cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per fess nebuly abased Azure and Vert, on a wedge arched in chief Argent, between in base a kris and a Polynesian war club saltirewise and a sun with rays (as depicted on the National Flag of the Philippines) all Or, a torii Gules. Attached below the shield a blue scroll inscribed "STRENGTH FROM ABOVE" in gold letters.
Blue is the Infantry color, and the blue and green signify the sky and the earth - the nebuly dividing line being the heraldic symbol for clouds. The white, wedge-shaped figure represents a parachute (for airborne infantry) and is also indicative of a wedge being driven from the sky to earth, thus alluding to the regimental motto - Strength From Above. The sun with rays is for service in the Philippines; the crossed kris and war club represent service in New Guinea; the torii symbolizes service in Japan.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 511th Airborne Infantry Regiment on 28 Nov 1951. It was redesignated on 6 Sep 1963 for the 511th Infantry.