Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Or, an anchor debruised by two oars in saltire Sable, a chief Gules on a bend Argent a stylized version of the 7th Division insignia (a Gold hourglass on a red disc bordered Gold), all within a bordure of the third. Attached below and to the sides of the shield a tripartite scroll inscribed "COURAGE, SKILL, STRENGTH" in Black letters.
         Symbolism: The design of the shield is that originally approved for the 5th Engineer Regiment with a border added for "difference." This indicates the descent of the 5th Engineer Combat Battalion from that organization and shows the relationship to the 21st Engineer Battalion which has inherited the original arms. The crossed oars and anchor is the old badge of the Engineers and Pontoniers in the Army of the Potomac. The red field and white bend of the chief, indicating Lorraine, are for World War I service. On the bend is the shoulder device of the Old Division of that War.
         Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 5th Engineer Combat Battalion on 3 March 1952. It was redesignated for the 5th Engineer Battalion on 9 January 1956.

Coat of Arms.
         Blazon:
                 Shield: Or, an anchor debruised by two oars in saltire Sable, a chief Gules on a bend Argent the insignia of the 7th Division Proper (a Black hourglass on a Red disc), all within a bordure of the third.
                 Crest: On a wreath of the colors (Or and Sable) a five-bastioned fort Or and thereon a crescent Gules.
                 Motto: COURAGE, SKILL, STRENGTH.
         Symbolism:
                 Shield: The design of the shield is that originally approved for the 5th Engineer Regiment with a border added for "difference." This indicates the descent of the 5th Engineer Combat Battalion from that organization and shows the relationship to the 21st Engineer Battalion which has inherited the original arms. The crossed oars and anchor is the old badge of the Engineers and Pontoniers in the Army of the Potomac. The red field and white bend of the chief, indicating Lorraine, are for World War I service. On the bend is the shoulder device of the Old Division of that War.
                 Crest: The crest, which is the same as that of the 21st Engineer Battalion, symbolizes the old organization's service in the Santiago campaign of 1898 and in the Philippine Insurrection.
        Background: The coat of arms was originally approved for the 5th Engineer Combat Battalion on 3 March 1952. It was redesignated for the 5th Engineer Battalion on 9 January 1956.