A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height consisting of a gold wheel with five spokes, one down surmounted by a blue star with five points, one up and all terminating on the inner edge of the felloe, the spaces between the spokes brick red; on the star a disc divided into six horizontal wavy bands alternately gold and blue, all above a gold scroll inscribed "HOW MUCH HOW FAR" in brick red letters.
The disc with six wavy bands is a heraldic charge called a "fountain." Combined with the star, map symbol for a capital city, it stands for Springfield, the capital of Illinois where the Battalion's Headquarters were first located. The star also stands for the organization's basic mission of command supervision of assigned units. The wheel represents all types of motor transport and indicates the Battalion's function. The colors brick red and gold are used for the Transportation Corps.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved for the 1144th Transportation Battalion on 2 March 1970. It was amended to update the description and symbolism effective 1 September 2006.