On an ultramarine blue disc 2 3/4 inches (6.99 cm) in diameter the Southern Cross consisting of five stars in white between a flaming comet, the head consisting of a white five pointed star, charged with a red roundel, within a blue disc outlined in white and a tail consisting of three white streamers, the Arabic numeral 5 in golden orange 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in height, member 1/4 inch (.64 cm) in width.
The insignia is in the colors of the Air Forces. The Southern Cross is that heavenly body which may be viewed from the area in which the Force received its baptism of fire. The comet of the star design indicates the former Aircraft Marking and the three streamers of the tail represent bombers, fighters and troop carriers.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 25 March 1943.