A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall consisting of a blue six-pointed star, one point up, bearing a gold fleur-de-lis in front of two scarlet stylized arrows saltirewise, the upper third of the star and the two arrowheads resting on the disc of a gold demi-sun with six rays, all above a gold arched scroll bearing the inscription "ON THE LINE" in blue letters, the lower edge and the ends of the scroll folded back and up and terminating at the horizontal rays on the sun.
The star suggested by the Division's shoulder sleeve insignia is depicted in blue, the Infantry color. The fleur-de-lis alludes to World War I and refers to the Alsace and Meuse-Argonne campaigns in which the Division participated. The two arrows allude to World War II and the assault landings in New Guinea and Luzon. The sun, a symbol for the Philippines, refers to the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation awarded the unit. The six points of the star and six rays of the sun allude to the Division's numerical designation. The motto "ON THE LINE" connotes the Division's willingness and readiness to place its resources and reputation "ON THE LINE" whenever and wherever called upon, it also alludes to the Division's record in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 13 February 1968. It was amended to update the description and symbolism on 17 July 1985.