The mark consists of a medallion, on the front of which is circled with the words, "National Order of Saint Michael" on the top and "Patron Saint of the Airborne" on the bottom. The design on the front of the medallion features an image of an armed, armored, winged, and fighting Saint Michael defeating the enemy dragon on a mountainside. This exemplifies the toughness, bravery, competence and gallantry that we associate with the Airborne soldier. The evil dragon represents the enemies of our nation. Saint Michael's wings, just like a parachute from an aircraft, deliver Michael safely from the air to win any battle on the ground. The picture of death from above, represents the surprise of vertical envelopment operations. One sandaled foot on the head and neck of the enemy embodies the bold and swift actions of paratroopers and air assaulting soldiers on the battlefield. Michael's other angelic qualities demonstrate righteousness, honor, and he is chosen to wear a heavenly corona / halo proving his reverence. The uniform, tunic, armor, leg wraps, and short sword, are all symbols of individual protection. The scale in Saint Michaels right hand represents the scale of justice. The decision to fight for what is right even if the scale is tipped against you. The sword also represents a fatal willingness to fight, and the lethality and deadliness of airborne forces in the past and in future close fights. On the back of the medallion, "1940" is on the top of the outer ring. The date 1940 is when American forces first tested the airborne concept. The 12 stars in the outer ring represent the major combat jumps during World War II. At the bottom of the outer ring are the words "Protect Me in Battle". This is the cry from Airborne Forces to Saint Michael, the Archangel and God. The inner ring features the types of wings awarded to Airborne, Glider, Pathfinder, and Air Assault Forces, respectively. In the center ring is a glider and parachute, the original symbol of our Airborne Formations.