The gold eight-pointed star encircling the belt was the insignia of the Dragoons until 1851. And for informal use the escutcheon encircled with a sword belt sable, buckled at base with the belt plate of the dragoons of 1836 proper bearing the regimental motto in base and First Cavalry in chief between two eight pointed mullets of rays, one on dexter side, the other on sinister, all or. An orange eight-pointed star with a Black Hawk standing on a gold orange wreath, all within a black belt with gold Dragoon buckle and inscribed Animo et Fide in gold letters. The tip of the hawks beak and talons are red, which symbolizes courage. The sample of the badge was approved 17 February 1966.
Actual origins go back much earlier in the Regiment's history.