A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a blue triangle containing a gold barrel charged with a white plum blossom, behind and above the triangle, a gold bundle of wheat bearing a blue fleur-de-lis. In base, a gold scroll inscribed "EQUAL TO THE BURDEN" in blue letters.
The gold barrel symbolizes the providing of supplies, while the bundle of wheat refers to the abundance of food stocks. The equilateral triangle represents the balanced and uniform operations of the Battalion. The equilateral triangle is also symbolic of the unit's motto, "Equal To The Burden." The fleur-de-lis is used to symbolize campaign service in Europe, while the plum blossom is native to Okinawa where the unit served. Blue is a color of the Quartermaster Corps, the original designation of the unit.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 497th Quartermaster Battalion on 13 June 1967. It was redesignated effective 16 September 2008, for the 497th Support Battalion with the description and symbolism updated.