United States of America: Second World War issue United States Army Air Force Aircrew Badge, silver, ‘Sterling’ marked on reverse, complete with horizontal pin fitting to reverse with revolving catch.
Condition: slightly polished on highlights with evidence of having been worn, generally Good Very Fine.
The first version of the Aircrew Badge was issued by the Army Air Force during the Second World War. The badge was similar in design to the Aviator Badge, however, and displayed an emblem denoting enlisted status on its circular shield, or escutcheon, centred between two wings. The emblem featured the arms of the United States of America, in clear relief generally against a horizontally lined background, on a disk with a raised rim.
Anyone trained in flight operations was authorised to wear this badge, including pilots, bombardiers, navigators, flight engineers, radio men and gunners. The badge was also awarded to certain ground personnel at the discretion of their commanding officer. Non-crew-members eligible for the badge were individuals with flying status such as aircraft maintenance supervisors and technical inspectors. For example, aircrew badges were issued to Automatic Flight Control Equipment (A.F.C.E.) and Bombsight Shop personnel and others essential to "keep 'em flying" who flew instructional and maintenance flights but who did not actually take part in combat missions during World War II.
