Description
On a black curvilinear ground 4 5/16 inches (10.95 cm) in height overall including tab, a deep yellow stylized knight’s helmet with closed visor and black outlines facing to the left superimposed and centered on a light yellow parachute 3 1/16 inches (7.78 cm) in height overall, the canopy variegated with irregular black areas and the six shroud lines conjoined and terminating in a point within a stylized base formed by a continuous light yellow outline, the upper part consisting of two symmetrical heraldic nebuly delineations and the lower part of two symmetrical shallow tapering curves all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) black border, attached throughout at top above the parachute, a black arced tab with the inscription “AIRBORNE” in deep yellow letters of the same design and size as that authorized for airborne units.

Symbolism
The colors black and gold (yellow) are the colors used at the U.S. Military Academy, known as the finest in its filed, and were adopted by the Golden Knights to symbolize their being the finest in their field. The parachute canopy is the same design as that called the “Conquistador” used by the original “STRAC Sport Parachute Team.” Knights are generally associated with conquering; thus, the knight’s helmet alludes to conquest and the fact that the Golden Knights have conquered the sky by free fall parachuting. The sky is represented by the nebuly (a heraldic delineation of clouds) outline base.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 1 April 1969. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-516)