A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure (Teal Blue), within an annulet Argent enveloped by wings inverted Or, an eagles head erased of the second, emitting from its eye a flash overall to base in pale Tenn fimbriated of the second. Attached below the shield a Gold scroll inscribed THE WARDING EYE in Black.
Teal blue is the color formerly used for Aviation units. All of the design elements allude to the mission of the unit: The annulet is symbolic of a lens and refers to reconnaissance, aerial observation and surveillance as well as representing armor (a link of chain mail). The wings represent aviation, aerial transport and (around the annulet) aerial photography. The flash, in the colors of the Signal Corps, refers to communication functions. The eagles head alludes to the keen vision and high standards of the unit.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 501st Aviation Battalion on 31 January 1962. It was rescinded on 8 July 1976. The insignia was reinstated for the 501st Aviation Battalion and amended to revise the symbolism effective 21 June 1978. It was redesignated effective 16 October 1988, for the 501st Aviation Regiment with the description revised.