A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in height overall consisting of a gold star bearing a smaller green star in front of, and extending over the center of a vertical black artillery projectile, lift ring at the top, all in front of a crimson cogwheel encircled by a gold scroll the ends entwining at the top gold laurel leaves and bearing in black letters the inscription, divide by the extended projectile, IMMEDIATE RESPONSE.
Crimson is the color used for Maintenance. The star and cogwheel from the coat of arms of Italy, and green from the national flag, commemorate the five campaign honors awarded the Battalion for service in Italy, World War II. The laurel leaves denote the Meritorious Unit Commendation award. The units direct descent from the 5th Ordnance Battalion is indicated by the projectile from the coat of arms of that organization. The star alludes to the Battalions reorganization as a COSTAR unit while in the Republic of Vietnam. The cogwheel additionally represents the units mission and ability to provide immediate coordinated response for maintenance and supply support.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 27 November 1967. It was rescinded on 18 December 1975.