Authorised 21 June 1968
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in width overall consisting of a gray triangle with extended silver wings in front of a blue circle charged in upper portions with two silver lightning flashes, pierced above the wings on either side, all behind a black triangle with barbed points, surmounted by a silver cobra poised to strike; in base a silver scroll with blue backing looped over extreme ends of a gray triangle, pierced in center and bearing the inscription "SEARCH AND DESTROY" in black letters.
Ultramarine blue and orange are the colors for Aviation. The three-head cobra symbolizes the unit's primary capabilities of reconnaissance, surveillance and attack. The serpent rising up over the dark blue background suggests the constant hovering strike capabilities of the Battalion with emphasis on night operations. The cobra represents the armed helicopter company and is winged, further alluding to the historical background of the unit's airplane companies. The lightning flashes refer to the Battalion's speed in communication and continuous alertness in carrying out its mission. The gray triangle suggests the unit's history as the gray ghost "Phantom" Battalion; it also alludes to the unit' previous flag device when combined with the barbed black triangle. The three pheons recall the unit's aviation mission and three Vietnam Cross of Gallantry awards for Vietnam service, symbolized by the gold rice on the red annulet.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 21 June 1968. It was amended to update the symbolism on 21 May 1985. Coat of Arms