A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a black central disc within three concentric circles, alternating red and black. Issuing from the outer rim and terminating on the center disc, five gold (heraldic) javelin heads, all enclosed with a continuous gold scroll, triple folded and oversized at top, bearing a red passant guardant lion, and at bottom inscribed in black letters "STEEL ON TARGET."
The lion, suggested by the arms of Normandy, alludes to the unit's battle honors in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe during World War II. The grouped javelin heads on target also allude to the unit's motto and symbolize the firing of the 175mm self-propelled guns on 19 November 1965 in Vietnam, the first time ever fired in combat. The red (scarlet) background alludes to the Meritorious Unit Commendation (Vietnam) Award. The javelin heads, two at the top and three in base, further identify the numerical designation of the organization.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 23d Artillery Group on 29 November 1968. It was redesignated for the 23d Air Defense Artillery Group effective 4 June 1973.