Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Description: On a shield, sable the head of a bald eagle erased proper. Immediately above and touching the shoulder sleeve insignia, a black arc tab inscribed "AIRBORNE" in yellow letters. 

Symbolism: The design is based on one of the Civil War traditions of the state of Wisconsin, this state being the territory of the original 101st Division after  World War I.  The black shield recalls the old “Iron Brigade,” one of whose regiments possess “Old Abe,” the famous war eagle. 

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description: A gold colored metal and enamel device consisting of  a medium blue disc; on and over the disc a black demi-eagle with white head, wing details, eye and beak gold in downward flight issuing from a white cloud in sinister base, all above a gold scroll bearing the motto "Rendezvous with Destiny" in black letters. 

Symbolism: The design was suggested by the division's shoulder sleeve insignia, the black eagle alluding to "Old Abe" an eagle carried into combat during the Civil War by one of of regiments of the old "Iron Brigade" from the state of Wisconsin, the territory of the original 101st Division after World War I, the color black being symbolic of iron.  The eagle issuing in downward flight from the cloud refers to the airborne classification of the division.