The bird on the 18th Wing patch is a fighting cock, symbolizing courage, aggressiveness, and confidence. Gamecocks have long held a reputation for being tenacious creatures. The sport of cockfighting dates back to 500 B.C., when men wagered entire inheritances on the inflamed birds, known to fight to the death. The fierce cockfights were outlawed in many countries due to the barbaric nature of the event.

The "fight until you prevail" reputation of the gamecocks made them a perfect representation of a fighting unit when the 18th Pursuit Group Commander, Maj. Carlyle H. Walsh, first chose the cock for the unit's emblem in the late 1920s.

18th Wing Emblem: A fighting cock with wings displayed sable wattled and combed gules.
Crest: On a wreath and sable, two wings conjoined with displayed tenne.

Significance: The fighting cock signifies courage, aggressiveness, and confidence qualities characteristic of the organization. The emblem was officially approved on 21 February 1931.

Motto: Unguibus Et Rostro ("With Talons and Beak")