Description/Blazon

A gold colored metal and enamel device 1 5/32 inches (2.94cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per fess nebuly abased Azure and Vert, on a wedge arched in chief Argent, between in base a kris and a Polynesian war club saltirewise and a sun with rays (as depicted on the National Flag of the Philippines) all Or, a torii Gules. Attached below the shield a blue scroll inscribed ""STRENGTH FROM ABOVE" in gold letters.

Originally, this motto was written as "Vigueur DeDessus" which translates to "Strength is From Above," an appropriate motto for Paratroopers.

Symbolism

Blue is the Infantry color, and the blue and green signify the sky and the earth - the nebuly dividing line being the heraldic symbol for clouds. The white, wedge-shaped figure represents a parachute (for airborne infantry) and is also indicative of a wedge being driven from the sky to earth, thus alluding to the regimental motto - Strength From Above. The sun with rays is for service in the Philippines; the crossed kris and war club represent service in New Guinea; the torii symbolizes service in Japan.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 511th Airborne Infantry Regiment on 28 Nov 1951. It was redesignated on 6 Sep 1963 for the 511th Infantry.