Silver Wings Pinks and Greens Uniforms Wings Insignia of USAAF Airmen in World War II

SILVER WINGS, PINKS & GREENSJon A. Maguire

~RWINGS,~&G ENS

Uniforms, Wings & Insignia ofUSAAF Airmen in World War II

Jon A. Maguire

Schiffer Military/Aviation HistoryAtglen, PA

Acknowledgements

This book would not have been possible without significant contributions from numerous sources. Special thanks to Ann L.

Wagner and Stackpole Books for their help and permission to reprint portions of the 1943 and 1944 editions of "The Officer's Guide."This information is a significant addition to this work.

My friends John and Donna Campbell of Campbell Archivesopened their home and collection to me and provided numerouscontemporary photographs.

The following collectors and historians opened access to theircollections and allowed original pieces to be photographed for inclusion in this work: Martin Callahan, John Conway, John Cook,Mike Davidson, Dale Edwards, David Henderson, John Hopkins,Bill Linke, Rick Markel, Pat Moran, Chris Oliver, Michael J. Perry,Mick Prodger, and Mike Whitson.

Many additional friends, including World War II veterans, madecontributions also. They include: F. Paul Bowen, Tom Carmichael,Mike Conner, General George Eade, Dolph Farrand, Dave Goleman,

Wendell Hoppers, Ralph Jenks, Mike Nordin, Burt Sheriff, RobertSlusher, Tim Smetana, Jeff Spielberg (JS Industries), Joe W. Stevensand Ron Willis.

A very special thanks goes to my wife, Rhonda, who put inlong hours deciphering my handwriting and typing the manuscript.(Also for putting up with a room full of my toys.)

Thanks to my Dad who always has the time to answer my end-less questions about his Army Air Force experience.

Thanks to Bob Biondi for constant counsel!Special thanks to Jack Ilfrey for kindly writing the foreword.Every effort has been made to give proper credit for the World

War II photographs contained herein, but in some cases I was notable to locate the original photographer. My apologies if I have overlooked anyone.

For those who wish to contribute to future volumes, please contact me courtesy of Schiffer Publishing at the address below.

Again, my sincere thanks to all who contributed to this work!

For Sean & Megan

On front dustjacket: Lt. Col. Oris Johnson of the 422nd N.ES. wearing a tailor made Ike jacket with all bullioninsignia. (Stegner via Campbell)

Page 1: Lt. Joe D. Maguire, C-47 pilot of the 321st Air Transport Squadron, 27th Air Transport Group, wearingwinter service dress uniform, "Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens."

Book Design by Robert Biondi

Copyright © 1994 by Jon A. Maguire.Library of Congress Catalog Number: 93-87477

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any forms or by anymeans - graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storageand retrieval systems - without written permission from the copyright holder.

Printed in China.ISBN: 0-88740-578-9

We are interested in hearing from authors with book ideas on related topics.

Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd.77 Lower Valley Road

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Chapter IChapter IIChapter III

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements 4Foreword by Capt. Jack Hfrey (USAAF, Ret.) 7Introduction 9

Uniforms & Insignia 11Wings & Other Qualification Badges 69Army Air Force Patches 119

AppendixBibliography

169191

OPPOSITE: Jack Ilfrey, 94th Pursuit Squadron, 1st PursuitGroup, Long Beach, California, circa February 1942, wearing"Pinks & Greens. "

FOREWORDby Capt. Jack Ilfrey, (USAAF, Ret.)

M ost all of our generation should remember thesong from WWII "He Wore A Pair of Silver

Wings", which certainly distinguished us from otherbranches of the service.

The author has done a magnificent job of collecting and identifying all of these WWII uniforms,wings, and insignia of the USAAF Airmen, and thepublisher is to be congratulated for this beautifuledition.

In going through the book, the many color pictures and captions brought back great nostalgicmemories for me and events long forgotten, and Ilearned things I never knew or realized before. I feelsure others will share that same experience.

One amusing event that I can recall relating toour uniforms. After we P-38 pilots of the 94th "HatIn the Ring" Fighter Squadron completed th~ Bolero Mission in July, 1942 (first mass flight of fighters across the N. Atlantic) we were stationed at thepermanent base, Kirton-In-Lindsey, Lincolnshire.We were housed in the officers quarters and wined

. and dined at the Officers Club.At first the staid and reserved English officers

were shocked and amazed at the different combinations of uniforms we appeared in - pinks andgreens, flight suits, A-2 jackets and several styles ofhead gear.

They seemed to wear only one style, Royal blueblouse and pants. We got the impression we werebeing treated like Colonials.

This book will be a great guide to collectors, historians, and memories for the veterans.

We airmen were proud to wear our uniforms.After we have all gone on to Valhalla, Jon Maguire'sbook will be here, in perpetuit)T, for future generations to see the way we were.

7

LautersteinsMilitary Clothiers

San Antonio, TexasPrice list

October 1941

ITEM

Blouse

Pinks and Greens

Pinks and Greens Shirts

Luxemburg Hat

Green "F" Caps

Poplin Shirt

2 Ties

Shoes

6 Sox

Insignias

Wings

Belt

2 Bars

2 "M" Bars

Trench Coat

2 Wings

3 Patches

Total

COST

$ 52.50

45.00

27.00

17.50

3.50

3.95

2.00

10.00

3.00

2.75

3.50

1.50

1.50

3.90

39.50

2.00

.75

$219.85

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this volume is to provide a photographic reference and record of the uniforms

. and related insignia worn by the men of theUnited States Army Air Forces from 1941 through1945. Some women's items are covered, but the primary focus is on men's uniforms and insignia. (TheW.A.5.P.' s served with distinction, but technicallywere not in the Army Air Force.)

The book is divided into three sections: uniformsand related insignia worn on the uniforms; wings andother qualification badges; and patches. Flying clothing and equipment will be covered in a separate volume. With the kind permission of Stackpole Books, Ihave used sections of the 1943 and 1944 editions of"The Officer's Guide" to provide the reader access tothe original uniform regulations. Several changes occUI'!ed between these years, which I have pointed out.(It should be noted that changes could likely be foundbetween any editions of the war years, but 1943 to1944 was significant because of the addition of numerous wing badges and revisions in outer wear regulations.) This book covers officer's and enlisted items,both regulation and non-regulation.

It would be virtually impossible to write the"complete" work on U.S.A.A.F. uniforms and insignia asvariations surface constantly. I hope this work willprovide the reader with a broad and solid overviewof the subject. It is intended as a reference for collectors and modelers, a record for historians, and a bookof memories for veterans. The general format I havefollowed is to provide color photographs of actualitems, as well as contemporary photographs of theitems in use, accompanied by appropriate commentary.

My inspiration for this work came from growingup with the influence of my Dad, an Army Air Forcepilot. As a small boy I would get out my father's"pinks and greens" from the hall closet and dream ofthe day I would be big enough to wear them (now Iam too big!). Dad would always (and still does) taketime to tell me stories of flying in England, France,and Germany. We went back to England together several years ago, which was a time I will always cherish. Mom and Dad were part or a generation forced

8

INTRODUCTION 9

to grow up too fast and meet the challenge of war. Ihope this book will in some way be a tribute to themand to all people of their remarkable generation.

***The study of uniforms and insignia of an Army at waris a fascinating subject. Because of the pressures ofwar, regulations tend to be relaxed or ignored. Unitsgrow and change quickly. Primary focus is on the challenge at hand. The Army Air Force is no exception!

The U.S. Army Air Force of World War II grew from1100 airplanes at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, to 80,000 airplanes by 1944.Approximately 2,400,000 men served in the UnitedStates Army Air Force in World War II. Clothing andequipping a Force of that size was no small task. Itinvolved numerous industries across the U.S. and anumber of allied countries.

Officers were required to purchase their own uniforms. Some wore the finest money could buy, whileothers did what was necessary to get by. This resultedin tremendous variations in style, cloth, design of insignia, and materials used in the manufacturing ofuniforms, wing badges and patches.

Flyers, by nature, tend to be very individualistic even flamboyant at times. This, coupled with relaxedregulations, individual taste, supply problems, andregional variations, produced some very interestinguniforms and insignia! Garments like the "Ike" jacketand the bush jacket were created out of a desire forcomfort and utility, relative to the theater of operation and the job at hand.

The U.s. Army service dress uniform "pinks andgreens" remains one of the sharpest uniforms everworn by the American military. The various color combinations of coat, trousers, shirt and tie authorizedfor wear, allowed the officer some individual choiceabout what he wanted to wear and still remain inuniform. The "50 mission crusher" service cap alsoallowed a vehicle for expression of personality.

These components of the uniform, along with thepride associated with individual unit insignia, contributed to the great esprit de corp of the United StatesArmy Air Force!

CHAPTERI

UNIFORMS &INSIGNIA

At the time of World War II, the Army Air Forces were part of the U.S.Army. The uniform regulatiol).s were therefore basically the same forArmy Air Force personnel as for regular Army officers and enlistedmen. One notable exception, which ultimately gave the Army Air

Forces a unique identity, was the service cap. In reference to the service cap,"The Officers Guide" states, "Officers of the Army Air Forces wear a similar capexcept front spring stiffening may be omitted and the grommet may be removed."This regulation created the "50 mission crush" hat so treasured by Army AirForce service men. The regulation was written because flyers had to wear headphones over their service caps.

Arguably, the most popular officer's uniform in U.S. Army history was the"pinks and greens" of the World War II era. The color of the winter service coatwas No. 51 (dark shade) olive drab, 141/2-26 ounce elastique, barathea or whipcord wool. The trousers to be worn with this coat were in two optional 'colors;No. 51, which matched the coat or drab No. 54 (light shade). It was drab No. 54(light shade) which was known popularly as "pink." The color is a grayish khakidrab shade, which in certain lighting has a definite pink cast - thus the name"pinks and greens." The summer service uniform was solid khaki.

This photograph provides six examples of pinks and greens in use by officers of the 422nd N.F.S.Note the officer first from left wears a dark olive drab tie, while the remaining wear the khaki tie.The officer fourth from left wears the dark olive drab shirt. All of the officers wear the Garrison or"overseas" cap. (Stegner via Campbell)

11

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Complete Army Air Force officer's uniform as worn. The figureholds an officer's overcoat or "trench coat." The shirt is "pink" andthe tie olive drab.

OPPOSITE: B-24 pilot Burt Sheriff in winter service uniformafter returning from the Pacific. (Sheriff)

12 SILVER WINGS; PINKS & GREENS

Label from the fine old U.S. clothing firm of Hickey-Freeman in awinter service coat.

Portions of "The Officers Guide" 1944 edition, which describe the uniformsand insignia of the u.s. Army in detail are reprinted in the appendix.

Officer's uniforms of the World War II era are especially interesting because they were made in tailor shops around the world. u.s. Army officers hadto purchase their own uniforms, so quality, material and even to some extentdesign, varies. There were"off the rack" versions available at the PX and therewere those made at the finest tailor shops on Saville Row.

Regulation Army officer's uniform label as found in the "off the rack" variety of uniform.

Label of Sol Frank Military Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas. (Edwards)

Raman Tailor's label, London in a U.S. Army officer's "Ike" jacket. (Edwards)

Left: Label from Richards of Sidney, Australia in a U.S. Army officer's uniform. (Edwards)

UNIFORMS & INSIGNIA 13

The Winter Service Uniform -"Pinks and Greens"

The officers of this B-26 crew are wearing pinks and greens with service caps. The enlistedmen wear the enlisted service uniform with Garrison caps.

Right: Seated figure wearing an 8th Air Force officer's "pinks and greens." The shirt andtie are khaki. Note the R.A.F. pilot wing on the figure's right side. (Michael]. Perry)

P-51 pilot Bert McDowell Jr. in winter serviceuniform. It is somewhat unusual to find photos ofA.A.F. combat veterans wearing service caps with thegrommet in place. (Michael]. Perry)

C-47 pilot Joe D. Maguire after graduation from theClass of44D in winter service uniform.

WL. "Tony" Hoppers wearing winter servIceuniform with "pink" shirt and olive drab tie. Tonyflew a tour in B-26 Marauders and ended the war inC-47's in Europe. (Hoppers)

14 SILVER WINGS, PINKS & GREENS

An unnamed B-25 pilot of the 491st Bomb Squadron in winterservice dress uniform.

This captain of the 422nd N.F.S. in winter service uniform has a number of unusual points ofinterest. One, he wears a collar pin and soft collared shirt (non-regulation), two, he wears an airgunner wing, which is most often found on enlisted men, three, he is wearing eye glasses with awing on his uniform, four, the captain is wearing a World War I Victory Ribbon with two starsindicating he was twice "mentioned in dispatch" (these stars later became the Bronze StarMedal, for which he also wears a ribbon), and five, he is not wearing World War I hash marks onhis sleeve - if photos could only talk! (Stegner via Campbell)

Left: Many Americans ofAfrican descent served with distinction in the U.S.AAF. Although themost famous were the fighter pilots of the 99th Fighter Squadron, they were by no means theonly ones, as this photo demonstrates. This unidentified Flight Officer, in winter service dress,served as a navigator, as indicated by his wings. The distinctive insignia worn on his epauletsare Gulf Coast AAF. Training Center.

UNIFORMS & INSIGNIA

Left: This AA.F. winter service coat was made by BrooksBrothers. Above: Bullion wing on blue background sewn toleft chest of Brooks Brothers winter service coat. Right: BrooksBrothers label inside pocket ofwinter service coat. (Edwards)

15

Left: Front and back of U.S.AAF.winter service dress coat made byPalace Clothing Co. in Kansas City.Palace made uniforms ofexceptionallyhigh quality. This uniform coat wasworn by C-47 pilot Joe D. Maguire,321st Air Transport Squadron, 27thAir Transport Group.

Label of Palace Clothing Co.


Left: This beautifullypreserved winter servicedress coat was worn byJoseph, W. Stevens, whowas also a C-47 pilot inthe 321st Air TransportSquadron.

Right: A beautifullytailored 8th Air Forcebombardier's winterservice dress coat withall bullion insignia.Below: Detail of bullioncollar insignia and wingon 8th Air Forcebombardier's servicedress coat.

Below: Bullion 8th Air Force patch on left shoulder of bombardier's winterservice dress uniform.


Above: U.S.A.A.F. winter service coat made byLauterstein's of San Antonio. This uniform coat wasworn by B-26 pilot Roger H. Swan. Note the "clipped"pilot wing popular among B-26 pilots. Below: Label ofLauterstein's of San Antonio. (Edwards)

Above: A very high quality U.S.A.A.F. officer'swinter uniform coat with matching trousers byChester Barrie of Great Britain. Below: Tailor's labelof Chester Barrie. (Edwards)

Above: Winter service coat offlight officer rank.Flight officers coats did not have the band at the cufffound on officer's coats. This coat was worn by gliderpilot Charles V. Miller, 23rd Troop Carrier Squadron,349th Troop Carrier Group. Below: Detail of Miller'sservice coat with glider pilot wing, flight officer rankinsignia and English made 9th Troop CarrierCommand shoulder patch visible.


The Officer's Summer Service Uniform

The summer service uniform was not a required item.It was a solid khaki uniform made of cotton, 8.2 ounce:rayon, plain or twill weave; cotton warp, mohair filling; tropical worsted; or gabardine. Perhaps the mostelegantof these in appearance was the tropical worsted.

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I ,~rTnBrigadier General LaVerne G. Saunders in summer tan serviceuniform. (U.S.A.A.F.)

Front and reverse of "Pink"wool U.S. Army officer'strousers worn with the winterservice coat. The dark shadeolive drab trousers were thesame cut.

This glider pilot is wearing the summer service uniform. (Conway)


Front and back of Summer service coat worn by C-47 pilot Joe D. Maguire. The coat was made by Palace Clothing Co. It is 100% tropical worsted wool.1 . ")' I

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Close up ofbeautifully detailed bullion pilot wing on Joe Maguire's summer service coat.


The Enlisted Service Dress or"Class A" Uniform

The enlisted man's uniform of World War II was madeof wool serge in a lighter shade of olive drab than theofficer's uniform. The trousers were the same color asthe coat.

Below left: The enlisted man's service dress coat. On the right chest is the "ruptured duck"indicating military service rendered. On the wearer's left chest is an air gunner wing and anexpert air gunner qualification badge. The rank chevrons are Staff Sergeants. Below right: Left,front view ofenlisted service dress coat with AAF. shoulder patch, Staff Sergeant's rankchevron and air crew wing. Below center: Right, front view ofenlisted service dress coat. Theblue triangular sleeve patch is an Air Force Specialists insignia for armature.

The 586th Bomb Squadron, 394th Bomb Group on parade. The color guard wears web belts and gloves.


John R. "Dick" Klopolsky was a B-17 crewman in the 91st Bomb Group. He is seen here in his service dressuniform. Note his aircrew wing badge and the interesting border visible around his A.A.F. patch. Klopolskywas killed in action over Schweinfurt, Germany on August 17, 1943, when his plane was shot down by an Me109.

. An air gunner of the 422nd Night Fighter Squadronin service dress uniform. (Stegner Via Campbell)


Above: This service dress coat is a very interesting piece. This style of coat is illustrated in the 1942 edition of "The Officer'S Guide" as the Army Air Force officer'sservice dress uniform coat. This garment is made ofofficer's quality wool fabric. Note that it features a waist belt which is sewn all the way around and has no brassbuckle. It also features four visible buttons on the front closure. The regular Army officer'S service dress coat (which is the only style featured in later editions) has three

. buttons visible at the front closure. The fourth button is covered by the brass waist belt buckle. This coat has a Philadelphia Quarter Master Depot label and is datedOctober 13, 1941. Obviously, this particular coat was worn by a 1st Air Force Staff Sergeant. It is possible that when the decision was made that AAF. officers wouldwear the same service dress coat as the rest of the Army, existing inventories of these coats were issued to enlisted men. These coats were also sometimes used byAviation Cadets. Above center: Rear view ofearly style AAF. officer's service dress coat worn by a 1st Air Force Staff Sergeant. Above right: Three quarter front viewofearly AAF. officer's style service dress coat with Staff Sergeant's rank insignia on the sleeve. The diagonal service stripe represents three years of service. The 1st AirForce shoulder patch is embroidered on felt.

Low QuartersThe shoes worn with the service dress uniform were Army russet leather low quarters. U.S. Army russet leather low quarters.


Above: Glider pilot Robert Price of the 96th TroopCarrier Squadron wearing a British Army battledress jacket. (Price via Conway)

The "Ike" JacketThe name "Ike jacket" refers to almost anywaist length uniform jacket worn by the U.S.Army in World War II. General Dwight D.Eisenhower popularized this style of jacket,thus the name "Ike." These jackets werelikely inspired by the short battle dress jackets worn by the British. American derivativesof this garment existed in numerous designsas the first were tailor made or cut downfrom four pocket service dress coats. Buttonswere plastic, brass, bone, fabric covered orhidden. The author has even seen exampleswith zippers.

Ike jackets provided an opportunity forAmerican soldiers to display individualityin an acceptable military fashion, which isprobably a major reason they were verypopular with flyers. Also, Ike jackets werecomfortable in an airplane because therewere no coat tails to get in the way.

There were several official waist lengthjackets, but the "unofficial" variations wereseen much more frequently.

Left: The jacket that likely inspired the U.S. ArmyIke jacket was this British Army battle dress jacketissued to some U.S. units early in the war. (Conway)

Left: This group ofA.A.F. officers displays aninteresting combination of uniforms. The first officeron the left wears a tailor made "Ike" jacket typical ofEnglish design. The second officer wears a "cutdown" style, while the remaining three men wearwinter service dress uniforms; two of the officerswear "pink" trousers and one wears olive drab.

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Lt. Joe D. Maguire of the 27th Air Transport Groupwearing a cut down Ike jacket with pink trousers and"crusher" cap. This photo was taken at Grove AirField in England 1944.

Lt. Joe Maguire in cut down Ike jacket with olivedrab trousers and overseas cap, Grove, England1944.

Lt. Bob Bailey of the 27th Air Transport Group in acut down Ike jacket.

An unidentified U. S.A.A.F. Brig. General in a well worn, tailor made Ike jacket.The rank insignia and command pilot wings are bullion. (Stegner via Campbell)

This P-38 pilot of the 367th Fighter Group is wearing a cut down Ike jacket.(U. S.A.F. via Campbell)


A glider pilot of the 9th Troop Carrier Commanq wearing an Ike jacket cut downfrom aservice dress coat. Interestingly he wears the shoulder rank ofaflightofficer with an officer's cap device. (Bowen)

Glider pilot F. Paul Bowen with a beautiful companion! Bowen is wearing a tailormade Ike jacket. (Bowen)

A well tailored enlisted Ike jacket, cut down fromawinter service dress coat. Note that pleatedpockets have even been added. The combat crewpatch is visible behind the air gunner wing.


Above left: This sergeant's Ike is a tailor made example dated 10/24/44. The cut is very similar to many English made officer's jackets with the exception of plain pocketsinstead of pleated. Above center: Rear view, tailor made sergeant's Ike jacket. Above right: Three quarter front view of tailor made sergeant's Ike jacket.

Close-up of beautifully detailed bullion A.A.F. patch and chevrons on tailor madesergeant's Ike jacket

Ike jackets were popular with both officers and enlisted men. This pilot and aircrew member of the 394th Bomb Group are both wearing Ike jackets cut downfrom service dress coats as dress uniforms at a social function.


Two above: An 8th Air Force officer's Ike jacket cut down from a winter servicedress coat. This jacket has concealed front buttons, while the pocket and epauletbuttons are fabric covered. An unusual feature of this jacket is the yolk visible atthe waist on the back side.

English tailor's label inside pocket of this Ike jacket. Red linings were verypopular in certain units and in some cases had special significance such as "ace"status.

This English tailor made Ike style was popular with A.A.F. officers in the E. T.O.


Above: The U.S.A.A.F. was present all over the globe, as evidenced by this Ikejacket, tailor made in Costa Rica. Above right: Three quarter front view of CostaRican made Ike jacket with 6th Air Force patch visible. Below: Costa Ricantailor's label of Ramirez Valida. (Davidson)

Right: Theater made Ike jacket attributed to Lt. John W Phelan (MIA December29,1944). Phelan flew a tour on B-17s with the 8th Air Force and went down in aP-47 over Italy. The jacket is not typical of English made examples. The notchlapel, and the fact that it is not lined indicates it was likely made for the warmerclimate in Italy.


Above left: This beautiful English made Ike jacket belonged to a man who likely served on staffat 8th Air ForceHeadquarters at High Wycombe, and rotated back to the States in an advisory/training capacity with the 4thAir Force. The left shoulder (active duty shoulder) bears the 4th Air Force insignia, while the right, or"combat", shoulder carries the insignia of "The Mighty Eighth." It was somewhat commonly accepted thatsoldiers would wear the patch of the unit in which they were currently serving on the left shoulder, while onthe right, the insignia of the unit in which they had seen combat was worn. Some jealous stateside non-combatexperienced commanders did not allow this practice, which ultimately was detrimental to the morale of thetroops. Combat veterans often refer to these e.O.'s in terms less than endearing. Above center: Left front viewof English made Ike jacket with 4th Air Force patch visible. Also note the two hash marks on the sleevesignifying one year overseas. Above right: Right front view of English made "Ike" with 8th Air Force patchvisible on the shoulder. Left: Tailor's label in English made Ike jacket. Note it was made in High Wycombe,which was 8th Air Force Headquarters.

Left: This E.TO. style Ikejacket with slash pocketswas tailor made on SavilleRow in London. (Markel)

Right: This beautiful tanwool gabardine Ike jacketwas tailor made withmatching trousers. Tan andpink Ike jackets aresomewhat unusual, butthey were worn - especiallyoverseas.


Officer's Ike jackets came in every description. Perhaps one of themost outlandish was the jacket mentioned in 4th Fighter Group ace,John Godfrey's book "The Look of Eagles." Godfrey purchased apink Ike jacket with a red lining from a bomber pilot who had ittailor made in London. When he reported stateside to the Major incharge, while wearing the jacket, the Major made it clear he was onan Army Post - not a "home for overdressed playboys of the AirForce."

These airmen to the right and left are wearing examples of two styles of E.T.O.wool field jackets. The jacket on the left has slash pockets and the jacket to the .right has patch and flap pockets. (Stegner via Campbell)

This B-17 air crew member wears the E. T.O. jacket. (Campbell)

, .This 422nd N.ES. Master Sgt. is wearing a wool field jacket, E. TO. (Stegner viaCampbell)

One of the first official Ike style jackets used by the U.S. Armyin World War II was the wool field jacket, E.T.O.. These jackets weremade primarily by the British (although Australian made exampleshave surfaced), under contract for the United States Army. It alsoappears that there were at least two distinct styles; one with patchand flap chest pockets and one with slash or side entry pockets.

A B-26 Marauder crew man wearing the wool field jacket, E.TO., with slashpockets.

The crew man behind the jeep, with hands in pockets, is wearing the E. TO. jacket.,.

Two distinct styles of the British made E. TO. jacket are clearly illustrated in thisphoto of 9th Air Force P-61 ground crew men. (Stegner via Campbell)


The British made E. T.O. wool field jacket with slashpockets. (Conway)

Above: This E. T.O. jacket is made ofofficer's quality barathea wool. Right: Detail ofofficer's E. T.O. jacket withslash pocket clearly visible. (Conway)

This group of9th Air Force ground personnel (with the exception of the officer, third from left, front row) areall wearing the M1944 wool field jacket. (Stegner via Campbell)

Right: This air crewman of the 9th Air Force is wearing the M1944 wool field jacket without collar discs, as adress uniform jacket. (Stegner via Campbell)

The most widely recognized official versionof the Ike jacket is the M1944 wool fieldjacket. This garment was designed to beworn under the M1943 field jacket and wasvery popular with enlisted men as a replacement for the service coat. The M1944 wasalso worn by officers, often without insignia, as a utility garment.


The M1944 wool field jacket. This example was worn by B-26 pilot,Wendell Hoppers. Hoppers finished the war flying C-47s with the 321stAir Transport Squadron in Europe.

This 9th Air Force air crewman wears collar discs on his M1944 wool field jacket. (Stegnervia Campbell)

The officer on the right, ofthe 422nd N.F.S., iswearing the M1944 woolfield jacket withoutinsignia. (Stegner viaCampbell)


The B-13 and B-14 jackets, technically, were flight jackets, althoughboth were worn functionally as Ike jackets. The B-13 was made ofofficer's quality wool and the B-14 was the same jacket in enlistedgrade wool. These jackets were standardized in March of 1944.

Front and back ofofficer's quality B-13 flight jacket.

Three of these 27th Air Transport Group pilots are wearing cut down Ike jackets.The officer second from left is wearing the B-13. (Jenks)

Deta il of B-13 jacket label.


Above: The B-14 enlisted flight jacket. Right: Pocket details on the B-14.(Conway)

An interesting variation based on the Ike jacket idea is this "Ike shirt." Lt. RobertBellman of the 75th Fighter Squadron is wearing a cotton officer's shirt, whichhas been cut offat the waist and had a band added at the bottom - a very practicalgarment for wear in the C.B.I.! Bellman was killed in a P-51 landing accident.(Bollen via Campbell)


U.S. Army ShirtsThe officer's service shirt was authorized in olive drab shade No. 51(dark shade); drab shade No. 54 (light shade); khaki shade No.1;olive drab shade No. 50 ; and the cotton fabrics were khaki shadeNo.1. The shirts were made of wool or cotton in various weaves.

Commanding officers could authorize the wearing of the serviceshirt without the coat. When worn without the coat, insignia of grade,and collar insignia were worn.

The officer's service shirt in wool olive drab shadeNo. 51 (dark shade).

The officer's service shirt in wool drab shade No. 54(light shade).

The officer's service shirt in wool khaki shade No.1.

Tailor's label in a U.S.A.A.F. officer's shirt made in Brisbane, Australia. (Edwards) This tailor made example features reinforced elbowpatches.


Above: Three AAF. officers wearing khaki shirts and trousers. Note the navigator at left wears athree inch wing, while the pilot and bombardier wear the two inch shirt wings. (Campbell)

Major General (then Major) John L. Locke as a P-47 pilot withthe 512th Fighter Squadron, wearing the officer's shirt and tiewith insignia in place. (Locke via Perry)

This AAF. pilot is wearing the officer's shirt and tie in cottonkhaki with full insignia. (Edwards)

These two 9th Air Force First Sergeants wear the enlisted service shirt with sleeve insignia andribbons. (Stegner via Campbell)


The "Bush Jacket"The bush jacket is best described as a combination shirt and servicedress coat. It was service coat length, but no shirt was worn underneath and it featured a shirt type collar. Most examples were belted.

Although not an official garment, bush jackets were widely worn inthe C.B.I. and Pacific theaters. Most examples are cotton khaki. Thisjacket was undoubtedly inspired by the British.

Back and front ofa typical example ofa U.S.A.A.F. bush jacket. Above right: Detail ofhand embroidered rank insignia and shoulder pocket made from a C.B.l. patch onU.S.A.A.F. bush jacket. (Edwards)

Air Marshal Sir Guy Garrod, RAF. (left) talking with Brigadier General J.E.Ups ton of the 20th Air Force (right) in December of1944. Garrod is wearing theBritish khaki drill bush jacket, which was likely the inspiration for the U.S.A.A.F.version worn by Upston and the other U.S.A.A.F. officer in the background.(Linke)

Brigadier General I.E. Upston of the 20th Air Force wearing his bush jacket.(Linke)


Above left: Captain ED. Campbell, U.S.A.A.E, Early Air Warning, wearing a bush jacket in Calcutta, India. Above right: Administrative officers of Early AirWarning in Calcutta. The officer first from right and Captain Campbell, third from right, are wearing bush jackets. (Campbell)


Officer's Uniform Insignia: U.S. Army officers rank insignia of World War IIRank insignia of this period, like other items. was produced by a large number of manufacturers fromaround the world. This resulted in a lot of varr.ation in style and materials.

* * ***

GENERAL LIEUT GENERAL MAJOR GENERAL BRIG. GENERAL

COLONEl.

W'UT. COLONEL

rs=MAJOR

'!I!

LlI ellCAPTAIN

1ST LIEUTENANT 2ND LIEUTENANT

(:=J 0:01' -CHIEF WARRANT OFFlCER

WARRANT OFFICER (JUNIOR GRADEl FLIGHT OFFICEIl

This group showing the front (left) and back of 1st and 2nd Lieutenants bars illustrates some of the variations of the period.


These two Major's leaves illustrate two distinct designs. Metal and enamel flight officers rank insignia front and back.

Uncut cloth flight officers rank insignia for use on cotton khaki shirt or coat.

This set ofCaptain's bars was handmade in India. Note the English style pin.

Uncut bullion on olive drab wool, Second Lieutenant's bars.

Sterling, pin back Captain's bars by Gemsco, in the original box.


Officer's collarflapel insignia also varied in design and material.The familiar winged propeller insignia surfaced in many differentforms.

Bullion lapel insignia on an 8th Air Force bombardier's service dress coat.

Two different designs ofmetal A.A.F. officer's collar/lapel insignia, front and rear.

Rank insignia was made in leather for use on flight jackets. This is an example ofaset of leather Captain's bars. (Edwards)

A leather Major's leaffor use on aflight jacket.

A beautifully detailed set of bullion A.A.F. officer's lapel insignia made in theC.B.!. theater. These were attributed to 491st Bomb Squadron, B-25 pilot, WilliamNeilson.


Hash MarksHash marks were worn on the left cuff of the serviceuniform. Each bar represented six months of serviceoverseas.

Detail of three hash marks on a service dress coat.

A 9th Air Force troop carrier pilot poses with his new bride. Clearly visible on his left sleeve arethree hash marks.

Bullion hash marks on an officer's service dress coat. The inverted chevrons are for World War Iservice. (Edwards)


Enlisted Uniform InsigniaEnlisted rank was indicated by chevrons worn on the upper sleeve.The chevrons were olive drab on black for winter wear and brownon khaki for summer. Rank was indicated as follows:

Private First Class - one chevron, points upCorporal- two chevrons, points upSergeant - three chevrons, points upStaff Sergeant - three chevrons, points up, over one rockerTech. Sergeant 2nd Grade - three chevrons, points up, over tworockers

A World War II Staff Sergeant chevrons embroidered on wool.

First Sergeant - three chevrons, points up, over three rockerswith a diamond in the centerMaster Sergeant - three chevrons, points up, over three rockers.

In the early stages of the war enlisted technical grades were authorized to allow technical specialists to be promoted with additionalpaX' without becoming NCOs. These grades were indicated by a'T' beneath the chevrons.

Above: World War II corporal's chevron.

Left: This World War II corporal's insignia has the "T" under the chevrons fortechnical specialists.

A World War II Staff Sergeant chevrons of multi-piece wool construction.


Distinctive Sleeve Patches for SpecialistsTriangular sleeve patches were authorized in the categories of armament, communications, engineering,photography and weather for enlisted technical specialists.

Enlisted Technical Specialist, Armament sleeve patch.

Enlisted Technical Specialist, Engineering sleeve patch.

Enlisted Technical Specialist, Weather sleeve patch.

Enlisted Technical Specialist, Communications sleeve patch.

Enlisted Technical Specialist, Photography sleeve patch.


This photograph of the right sleeve of an enlistedservice dress coat illustrates placement of the rankchevron and enlisted technical specialist patch.Chevrons were worn on both sleeves. The technicalspecialist patch was worn only on the right.

This Army Air Force Sergeant is wearing a khakishirt with rank chevrons, Army Air Force shoulderpatch, air crew wing and the enlisted technicalspecialist, communications patch.

458th Bomb Group Photography Technical SpecialistHerman Hetzel in service dress uniform. His enlistedtechnical specialist patch is visible on his right sleeve.Also of interest is the English made 8th Air Forcepatch on his left shoulder. (Campbell)

Enlisted Collar/Lapel BrassEnlisted men wore the Army Air Force disc on the left lapel with the"U.S." disc on the right. As with officers insignia, enlisted designsvaried.

Below left: A somewhat crude example of an enlisted AAF. collar/lapel insignia.The ,winged prop is pot metal, painted gold and affixed to a brass disc. Belowright: A nice quality, two piece brass enlisted AAF. collar/lapel insignia.


Distinctive InsigniaAdiscussion of A.A.F. uniform insignia would not be complete with- coat of arms. Distinctive insignia were worn by officers on the shoulout some mention of distinctive insignia or "D.L's." More than 300 der loop (epaulet) of the service dress coat and by enlisted men onArmy Air Corp and Army Air Force distinctive insignia were used the lower portion of the lapel. After the outbreak of World War IIover a period of years, mostly crafted from a combination of metal distinctive insignia were seldom worn in theaters of operation, butand enamel. They usually depicted a squadron insignia or a groups were still in use to some degree State side.

Distinctive insignia of the First Troop Carrier Command.

This Private in service dress uniform is wearing distinctive insignia on his lapels.(Campbell) Distinctive insignia of Headquarters, Army Air Forces. (Linke)

Distinctive insignia of the Air Service Command. (Linke)

Distinctive insignia of the 86th Bomb Group (redesignated 86th Fighter Group in1944). Distinctive insignia of the Air Transport Command. (Linke)

Outer wear - Jackets and Coats

The M1941 field jacket was very popular with officersand enlisted men alike. It was used extensivelythroughout World War II. The outer shell was tightlywoven cotton cloth, which was water and windresistant, and the lining was wool shirt weightflannel. (Markel)

UNIFORMS & INSIGNIA

Lt. Joe D. Maguire, C-47 pilot with the 321st AirTransport Squadron, is wearing the M1941 fieldjacket.

47

M1941 field jacket being worn by an A.A.F. MasterSergeant. (Stegner via Campbell)

The M1943 field jacket replaced the M1941 field jacket. This jacket was extremelyversatile and was issued in quantity in late 1944. (Markel)

Glider pilot James w. Campbell of the 79th Troop Carrier Squadron, 9th Air Force,is wearing the M1943 field jacket. (Conway)


The Mackinaw was developed as a general purpose field utility coat for use byenlisted men. It was used in the Army Air Force primarily by mechanics andother ground personnel. (Markel)

The M1926 officer's short overcoat. (Markel)

This group ofenlisted ground personnel wear a variety of outer wear garments.The first, fourth, and seventh man from the right are wearing Mackinaws. Theman second from right wears the one piece, herringbone twill work suit issued tomechanics, and the remaining two men are wearing enlisted wool overcoats.

Right: An aviation cadet at Parks Air College in 1943 wearing the M1926officer's short overcoat. Far right: Aviation cadet Joe Maguire, taken in St. Louis,1943, wearing the M1926 officer's short overcoat.

This style ofofficer's short overcoat replaced theM1926 in the 1944 "Officers Guide." It was easier towear with the omission of the button belt on theM1926.

UNIFORMS & INSIGNIA

Lt. Joe Maguire, November 1944, in Paris wearingthe officer's short overcoat.

49

C-47 pilot Charles B. Longshore, of the 321st AirTransport Squadron, wearing the officer's shortovercoat. This photo was taken near LeBourget AirField, winter of 1944-45.

Front and back of the officer's "trench" coat or long overcoat, which appears in the 1944 "Officers Guide." This garment was usually tan gabardinewool. There was considerable variation in these coats, as they were privately purchased. This example was worn by B-26 and C-47 pilot WendellHoppers.


Front and back of the officer's rain coat was the same style as the overcoat, but made of lightweight, waterresistant cloth. The label reads made of "Skinner's Jackie Twill", cotton and rayon. This example was alsoworn by Lt. Wendell Hoppers.

Jeanan and Lt. Joe Maguire, prior to going overseas,in Oklahoma City, 1944. Joe is wearing the officer'Strench coat.

Lt. Rnlph Jenks, ferry pilot with the 27th Air Transport Group, in front ofa P51D Mustang wearing the officer's trench coat. (Jenks)

This group of pilots of the 321st Air Transport Squadron wear a variety ofofficer's outerwear and uniform coats. Note the color variations in the shortovercoats, visible even in black and white. The pistol belt worn by the officer in thecenter (wearing Ike jacket) denotes he was Officer of the Day.

UNIFORMS & INSIGNIA

Uniform CapsThe service cap was the item of clothing which gave unique identity to the Army Air Forces. Because of the requirements of flying,Army Air Force personnel could, by regulation, remove the springstiffener and grommet. This ultimately created the "50 MissionCrusher" so fondly remembered by A.A.F. veterans.

51

The Army officer's service cap in its original unaltered form with spring stiffenerand grommet in place. Although some A.A.F. officers continued to wear this typeof service cap (many of whom were West Point or regular Army types), themajority preferred the crusher. (Markel)

This photograph illustrates why the Army Air Force was allowed to remove thespring stiffener and grommet. The crusher cap was created out of necessity, but itwas an extremely popular item which allowed great expression of individuality.(Jenks)

Some companies began producing service caps especially for theArmy Air Forces which had soft leather visors. These caps werevery popular because they were easier to crush. They had nameslike >'Flighter by Bancroft" and "The Flight Weight."

Above left: This cap was made by Luxenberg. Luxenberg made very high quality uniforms and insignia. Above right: The "Luxenberg" script trademark. This samestyle script is found on wings and insignia made by this firm.


Alf·S;'\.LT Li\Kl '1

U1'At

Above left: A beautiful example ofan AAF. officer's cap marked Army Air Base, Salt Lake City, Utah, 3. Above.right: Marking inside AAF. officer's cap.

Above: "Society Brand" is the maker of this service cap worn by an 8th Air Forcebombardier. (Henderson) .

Above right: "Lewis" AAF. officer's service cap. (Moran)

Right: U.S.A.AF. officer's service cap. (Moran)


Above left: Without question, one of the most classic AAF. officer's service caps was the Bancroft F1ighter pictured here. Above right: Trademark "F1ighter byBancroft" inside service cap. .

This officer's cap named to Lt. John W. Phelan was made in London by ].5.Wilson, Ltd. Phelan flew a tour in B-17s with the "Mighty Eighth", and waslater listed as MIA while flying a P-47 in Italy.

Name, serial number, and English stamp found under the band of Phelan's cap. Label inside Lt. Phelan's cap.


An A.A.F. officer wearing a nice example ofa crushercap. (Campbell Archives)

This navigator, working on a mission plan, wears aninteresting example of a service cap. This cap appearsto have a stiff visor.

A B-24 co-pilot in the cockpit wearing his servicecap. (Carmichael)

This ground officer of the 422nd N.F.S. wears theofficer's service cap. Note the eagle device is cocked toone side! (Stegner via Campbell)

Lt. Joe D. Maguire, C-47 pilot of the 321st AirTransport Squadron, wearing his service cap and B1D jacket. He bought this hat while an AviationCadet at College Station, Texas and wore itthroughout the war. This photo was taken Christmas,1944 in Paris.

This Army Air Force Lt. wears a "classic" crushercap. It appears to be a "Flighter by Bancroft."


The service cap was also made in khaki wool or cotton for summerwear.

"Flighter by Bancroft" in khaki worsted wool for summer wear. This "Flighter by Bancroft" has a coarser textured band than the previousexample. It also has a backstrap. (Edwards)

Above left: This khaki wool crusher is marked "The Flight Weight. " Above Right:Marking inside khaki wool service cap "The Flight Weight."

Officers of the 20th Air Force wearing summer uniform. Three men wear khakicrusher service caps. Note the man second from right wears a khaki example withan olive drab band.


Right: This A.A.F. service cap was made in England.(Edwards)

Below: The Australian firm of "Jones Brothers Dty.Limited, Surry Hills, Sydney" manufactured u.S.Army officers caps. This photo shows their makersmark inside ofa hat. These hats had interchangeabletops for summer and winter wear.

Below right: Australian made olive drab, U.S. Armyofficer's hat by "Jones Brothers Dty. Limited" inSydney.

AUTHORISED

U.S. ARMYOFFICER'S CAP

"?stade f,y

loncs Brothers Ply. CimUkdSURRY HILLS. SYDNEY

This hat is actually a British Army officer's hat "adopted" by a U.S. Army AirForce officer. The eagle was made by J.R. Gaunt, London and the buttons areBritish marked.

The Jones Brother's hat with khaki summer top in place. (Edwards)

UNIFORMS & INSIGNIA

Officers service cap eagle devices were made in numerous patternsby many manufacturers which resulted in a large number of variations. Five versions are illustrated here.

57

This is a very common cap eagle pattern and is veryclose to the eagle worn by Army officers of today.This eagle was worn by B-25 pilot Wm. Neilson.

This oversize, straight winged eagle was verypopular with A.A.F. officers.

A delicate version of the cap eagle.

Bullion cap eagles were not very common, but were worn. This bullion eagle is quite stunning! (Edwards)

Above left: This finely detailed example was made by Luxenberg in England. Left: Reverse with maker markvisible.


Flight Officers wore an officer's service cap with a different cap eagle.

Detail of the flight officer's cap eagle. (Linke)

Glider pilot Paul Bowen wearing the Flight Officer's cap eagle.(Bowen)

Above right: A beautiful example ofan enlisted man's service capwith spring stiffener and grommet in place. (Markel)

Center right: Enlisted "crushers" were also produced. This olivedrab example was worn by a Sergeant, liaison pilot of the 158thLiaison Squadron.

Right: This khaki worsted wool enlisted crusher was worn by thesame liaison pilot of the 158th Squadron as the olive drab example.

The enlisted service cap is the same basic style as the officer's cap. The maindifference is that the band on the enlisted cap is of the same fabric as the topportion. The enlisted cap device is of the same design as the officer's, only smallerand backed by a brass disc.


This Army Air Force enlisted man is wearing what is likely, at that time, a brandnew example of the enlisted service cap. (Hopkins)

A very crisp example of the enlisted service cap is worn by Corporal ArthurLazenby Brown.

The service cap worn by this enlisted air crew member shows a little wear.

This enlisted airman in silk scarfand B-3 jacket wears an enlisted crusher. Thecut-out device is either a theater made example or possibly a transitional U.S.A.F.device, which would date the photo around 1947. By that time the B-3 jacket waspretty much replaced by the B-15, so I tend to believe it is a World War II eratheater made variation cap device. (Campbell Archives)


Officer's olive drab wool Garrison cap worn by C-47 pilot, Joe Maguire, 321st AirTransport Squadron.

This example of the officer's Garrison cap is English made.

Captain Lee wearing the winter officer's Garrison cap. (Campbell Archives)

The Garrison cap (formerly called the field or "overseas" cap) wasauthorized for wear by all personnel in summer and winter fabrics.The officer's version was piped with gold and black braid, whilethe enlisted was piped with the A.A.F. service colors of ultra-marine and orange.

Sgt. Herman Hetzel in service dress uniform with enlisted Garrison cap.(Campbell Archives)

"Pink" was not an authorized color for the Garrison cap, but they were worn onoccasion.


The enlisted Garrison cap in olive drab wool for winter wear.

World War I American "Ace ofAces" Eddie Rickenbacker wearing the tropicalhelmet while visiting his old unit, the 94th Fighter Squadron, during World WarII. (Campbell Archives)

Right: This flight surgeon, dressed for hot weather, is wearing the tropical helmetwith an officer's cap eagle in place. (Campbell Archives)

Summer cotton khaki enlisted man's Garrison cap.

Helmet, fiber, cloth-covered were authorized for wear by personnel in stationswhere "tropical conditions prevail." (Davidson)


Aviation Cadet UniformsAviation cadet uniforms are a subject in themselves, but some mention must be made to round out a discussion of World War II ArmyAir Force uniforms. The aviation cadet program was the trainingvehicle for all Army Air Force air crew officers, including pilots,bombardiers and navigators. The training, prior to flying training,developed leadership, initiative, discipline and high physical, moral,and mental standards. Training was divided into three departmentsat the San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center known as "The Hill." Thethree departments were Military, Academic and Physical. Much ofthe cadet training during World War II was carried out at universities through a number of C.T.D.'s or College Training Detachments.

Early on, Flying Cadets were authorized to wear slate blue uniforms. During this period, cadets assigned special duty wore chevrons similar to those worn at West Point. These chevrons were blackon slate blue. Later cadets were designated" Aviation Cadets." Atthat time they began wearing a uniform very similar to the officersservice dress, without the waist belt or sleeve bands. Lapel insigniawas the same as for officers. When wearing the shirt, cadets wore

the "U.S." device on the right collar point and the winged propelleron the left. As the program expanded, aviation cadets began wearing the enlisted grade service dress coat with officer's lapel insignia. The early style AAF Officer's Service Dress Coat with sewndown belt, no buckle, and four button front was also worn by cadets. Photographs testify to the fact that there was variation, evenwithin the same class, as to the style of service dress coat worn.Aviation Cadets wore a winged propeller patch on the upper leftshoulder, or the lower right sleeve of the service dress coat and shirt.The position of the patch seems to vary from one location to another. These patches are found with black backgrounds and withblue backgrounds. The cadet service cap was the same design asthe officer's except the band was dark blue, and the device was theWinged propeller. In the early stages of training, Aviation Cadetswere required to wear the grommet in their service caps. In the laterphases of flight training they were, in some cases, allowed to wearthe cadet device on a crusher hat.

A group ofAviation Cadets in various uniforms, off duty in San Antonio, Texas.


This Aviation Cadet pactli is decoratively sewn to the sleeve ofa tan shirt. The Aviation Cadet shoulder/sleeve patch on blue.

The Aviation Cadet shoulder/sleeve patch on black.

Left: The Aviation Cadet uniform as worn at Parks Air College, 1943, by JoeMaguire.


Air Corps Cadet sleeve insignia, AC Training Center, Randolph Field, Texas: (J. W. Cook)

Aviation Cadet Johnny Long at Parks Air College. The winged propeller patch isvisible on his lower right sleeve.

The Aviation Cadet service cap with dark blue band and grommet in place.

Detail of the Aviation Cadet cap device.


Aviaiion cadet Joe Maguire in a newly issued, somewhat ill-fitting, aviation cadetuniform and cap.

An early example ofaflying cadet's Garrison cap with AAF. piping in slate bluecotton.

For this photo, Cadet Maguire pulled the grommet out of his AAF. officer'sservice cap, which he purchased before graduating, and put his cadet device on it.This hat, of course, did not have the regulation blue band. He went on to wear thishat throughout World War II, as a pilot.

A slate blue cotton flying cadet's Garrison cap with no piping.


An aviation cadet's name badge as worn at some locations.

* AU IS R

CaRp

* S

CADET

Individuals in flight training who were already Army officers wore this 1.0. badgewith agreen, instead of blue background. (J. W. Cook)

Above: Aviation Cadet 1.0. badge, AAF Western Flying Training Center.(J.w. Cook)

Above right: AAF Pre-(aviation) Cadet squadron patch, San AntonioAviation Cadet Center, TX. Note the lieutenant's bar and wing at the end ofthe yellow brick road. (J. W. Cook)

This Cadet at OklahomaAir College, CimarronField, is wearing the slateblue uniform. Note the"Flying Cadet" patch onhis shoulder. "FlyingCadet" was the forerun nerto the Aviation Cadetdesignation. (Linke)


Instructor pilot jacket patch, Hangar Six, Inc., Garner Field, Uvalde, TX, 305thAAF Flying Training Detachment. (J. W. Cook)

Instructor pilot jacket patch, Cal-Aero Flight Academy, Ontario, California. (J. W.Cook)

Instructor pilot wing, Hangar Six, Inc., Garner Field, Uvalde, TX, 30Sth AAF FlyingTraining Detachment. (J.w. Cook)

Instructor pilot cap badge, Cal-Aero Academy, Ontario, California.(J.W. Cook)

Shoulder insignia from Cimarron Field, outside of Oklahoma City,OK.

CHAPTER II

WINGS & OTHERQUALIFICATION BADGES

In some respects, wing badges represent the heart of Army Air Force memorabilia. Wings were symbolic of a specific job perform.ed by an Americanairman and without the aircraft and air crews there was no need for theexistence of the Army Air Force. The key individual on any air crew was

the pilot. He was the aircraft commander and had final say, whether a singleseat fighter or a bomber with a ten man crew. On a bomber crew each manperformed a specific function critical to the success of the mission and each worea distinctive wing symbolic of that function. Pilots, bombardiers, navigators,airgunners, and other air crew members relied on each other and worked as ateam. Each wing represented a highly trained professional position and symbolized many hours of work and individual sacrifice. All wing badges worn byA.A.F. flyers were held in very high regard.

Above: Balfour clutch back gold flight surgeon wing, in original box. The wing is 1/20th tenkarat, rolled gold plate. Below: End of Balfour gold flight surgeon box plainly marked "clutchback."

69

Jeanan Maguire shows off the graduation wing given to her byhusband Joe.

OPPOSITE: The gold flight surgeon's wing is clearly visible onthis doctor's uniform. The ribbons are for the World War I VictoryMedal, and the American Defense Service Medal.


A.E. Co. had several distinctive back marks as seen onthe four examples below.

Here is a simple "A.E. Co. Utica NY" in raised letters with"sterling" stamped in at a ninety degree angle.

Here the mark appears in an inverted triangle.

This air gunner's wing provides a third raised example.

A larger version of the A.E. Co. logo appears on this commandpilot.

In times ofwar, private industries gear up to support the effort and make aprofit! The military insignia and jewelry industries were no exception. Wingbadges were produced by traditional insignia makers, such as N.S. Meyer. Additionally, jewelers, such as B.B.& B., Josten, and L.G. Balfour, jumped on thebandwagon and made high quality wings and insignia. There is virtually noend to the variations in patterns of U.S.A.A.F. wings manufactured and wornduring World War II. Not only were American companies involved, but Mexican, British, and Australian made badges were relatively common. Hundreds oftailor shops and retail stores sold cloth and bullion wings and to further complicate matters, local craftsmen in various theaters of operation produced wings.With all of these origins and varieties, it is evident why World War II A.A.F.wing badges are highly collectible and sought after.

It is also easy to see how a significant amount of conflicting, and inaccurate,information could have circulated after fifty years or so. One piece of information which is purported by some, yet totally untrue, is that World War II wingbadges are all "pin back" and "clutch back" wings are post war. To dispelthisrumor I will use a very personal example - my father, Captain Joe D. Maguire.Dad graduated Class of 44D (April, 1944) at Frederick Army Air Field. His graduation wing was a finely feathered, sterling, pin back pilot's wing, which he immediately gave to my mother. (See photo on page 69)

He had three additional pilot's wings, which he purchased. These threewings were the design which closely followed the official drawings, sometimescalled"slick wings" or "smooth wings" by veterans. One is an unmarked clutchback, another is a sterling marked clutch back, and the third is a sterling pinback, A.E. and Co. Another example of a World War II clutch back wing is theBalfour gold flight surgeon wing in the original box, pictured on page 69. Thegold 'flight surgeon badge was only authorized for wear prior to September,1944, when the color was changed to silver. Clearly, another example of a WorldWar II period clutch back wing.

One distinction which definitely excludes a wing from the World War II erais an alphanumerical hallmark, such as "K21" or "V21." This system was put inplace in the 1950s by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry to identify officialsuppliers of insignia.

Another point of collecting wings, which has puzzled the author, is theoverly inflated value placed by many collectors on the type of metal used tomake the wing. Wing's marked"sterling" tend to be significantly more expensive compared to non-sterling wings.. To use arbitrary figures, a sterling pin backpilot's wing may by worth fifty dollars, where as the same pattern wingwithout the sterling mark brings twenty-five to thirty dollars. Both wings have thesame historical significance. They both indicated the same qualification and wereworn with equal pride by the original owner. At the time of this writing, thevalue of the amount of silver in a wing badge is around one dollar and eightycents. Even when silver was at its all time high, the actual silver content of awing was only worth sixteen to eighteen dollars. The issue here is simple, if youwant to collect wings, collect and value their history. If you want to invest inprecious metals, buy ingots. Another aspect to consider is that most of the fakesand restrikes have been done in sterling silver (or at least marked as such). Soyou have at least some assurance that a non-sterling piece is of the period. Anotable exception to this rule are English made U.S. wings. Most originals werenot sterling, and in recent years, non-sterling reproductions have been offeredfor sale to unsuspecting collectors.

As for methods of manufacture, the overwhelming majority of World WarII era wings are die struck. Many of the earlier fakes were done using a lost waxcentrifical casting method, which looks great to the naked eye, but is fairly easyto detect under a jewelers loop. Some World War II era wings were cast, biltthese are usually obvious, even to the naked eye, as the casting process wasmuch less sophisticated at that time. Cast wings are somewhat common in C.B.!.theater made pieces and the Australian firm of Wallace Bishop manufacturedsome very crude cast wings, as well as some high quality die struck wings. (Examples of both can be seen in the pilot wings photo section of this chapter.)Some World War II era dies have surfaced, or are still in the hands of the orignalmakers. Some of these makers have restruck World War II pattern wings, however even these are detectable from period pieces by more knowledgeable collectors.

WINGS & OTHER QUALIFICATION BADGES 71

As for the final word on detecting fakes and restrikes, I have chosen not togo into great detail. The main reason for this is that once it is in print, the unethical fakers correct their mistakes! My advice is to meet with advanced collectorsand look at as many original pieces through a 16X loop as you possibly can.Study them, feel them, and memorize them. There is no substitute for first handexperience. Ask these individuals who the dealers are that can be trusted anddo not deal with the ones who can not. In their defense, any dealer can make amistake, but will they stand behind the product? Also be careful with"experts"- no one knows it all. In one sense the fakers have destroyed their own marketby making people leery of getting into the field. Collecting and studying wingbadges is one of the most fascinating aspects of A.A.F. memorabilia. Do not letthe unscrupulous activities and/ or lack of knowledge of a few individuais discourage you! Thousands of wings are still in the hands of veterans and families.This is still the best source, when possible, plus you get the history of the piecefrom the original source. Do not be surprised when an "expert" at a trade showtells you the wing your Uncle Bob gave you (which you have a photograph ofhim wearing on his World War II uniform) is a reproduction. "Experts" can be adangerous thing!

Numerous manufacturers produced wing badges during World War II. Hereis as complete a list as possible at the time of this writing of backmarks on WorldWar II wings. All were not manufacturers, as some were contracted pieces:

A.E. Co. (American Emblem Co., Utica, NY)Amico (American Insignia Co., New York, NY)Amcraft (American Metal Crafts Co., Attleboro, MA)Angus & Coote (Sydney, Australia)B.B.&B. (Baily, Banks, & Biddle, Philadelphia, PA)Balfour or LGB (L.G. Balfour Co., Attleboro, MA)Beverly Craft (Beverly Hills, CA)Wallace Bishop (Bishop Co., Brisbane, Australia)Blackinton or VHB (Y.H. Blackinton & Co., Attleboro, MA)CP. Co. (Charles Polk Co. New York, NY)Danecraft (Danecraft, New York, NY)Denmark (Denmark's Military Equipment Corp., New York, NY)Dodge (Dodge, Inc., Chicago, IL)Dondero (A.H. Dondero Inc., Washington, D.C)LE (Eisenstadt Co., St. Louis, MO (pre-WW II))EBY (S.E. Eby Co., Philadelphia, PA)Firmin (Firmin & Sons, London, UK)Gaunt a.R. Gaunt Co., London, UK)GI (General Insignia Co., NYC(possibly post war only))Gemsco (General Merchandising Co., NYC)Goodwear Fabrics (location unknown)H-H (Hilborn-Hamburyer, NYC)Josten (Princeton, IL)K Co. (The Kinney Co., Providence, RI (pre-WW II))Krew (Krew Inc., Attleboro, MA (probably post war only))LeVelle & Co. (LeVelle & Co., Philadelphia, PA, Washington, D.C)Ludlow (Ludlow Co., London, UK)K.G. Luke (K.G. Luke, Melbourne, Australia)Luxenberg (Luxenberg Uniform Co., NYC, London)N.5. Meyer (N.S. Meyer Inc., NYC)Moody Bros. (Moody Brothers, Los Angeles, CA)Officers (Officer's Equipment Co., Madison, NJ)Orber (Orber Mfg. Co., Providence, RI)Pasquale S.F. (Pasquale Uniform Co., San Francisco, CA)Polar Flight (location unknown)Robbins (Robbins Co., Attleboro, MA)Tiffany (Tiffany & Co., NYC)Vanguard (Vanguard Military Equipment Corp., Long Island, NY)WA-NY (Wolf-Appleton Co., NYC)

I have tried to provide you with a nice cross-section of photographs ofbackmarksto give the reader a good idea what they look like.

The Amcraft hallmark appears in the same basic styleon both of the following wings (below).

Amcraft logo on a smooth back.

The pattern struck into the back of this wing is known as "snowflake. " It is generally thought to be used on wings and insigniaprior to World War II.

Two distinctive Amico hallmark examples are seen, bothon pin back wings (below).

In this example, just the name "Amico" is in an arch above"sterling. "

This more elaborate Amico mark is surmounted by an eagle design.


This photo shows the much sought after Australian maker mark of "Angus &Coote Stg. Silo "

"Sterling by Blackinton" is a very desirable mark to find on a wing badge!

This is the cast version of the "Wallace Bishop Brisbane" hallmark. It isinteresting to note that the hallmark is struck into a separate piece ofmetal andapplied to the cast wing.

"Wallace Bishop Silver Brisbane" is the mark found on this higher quality wingmade by the Australian firm.

Below are three different examples of Balfour hallmarks. It shouldbe noted that reproductions are known to exist with larger engravedback marks. Also note the separately applied devices in the centerof these wings and the high quality finished rivets holding them inplace.

"LGB Sterling" is one Balfour mark.

This gold flight surgeon wing is marked on the applied device, "Balfour 1/2010KGF, " indicating gold filled.

The final Balfour example simply spells out the company name and "Sterling."


"Dodge Inc. Chicago" - a seldom encountered mark.

"Gemsco-NY"

"Josten Sterling" is a mark of quality on a World War II wing. Most Josten wingswere clutch back.

Luxenberg is felt by many to be the"Cadillac" of American madewings.

This first pattern Luxenberg exhibits the large beautiful company logo"Luxenberg Sterling New York."

Another Luxenberg example.

The familiar shield of "N.S. Meyer New York."

The circular mark of "Orber Mfg. Co." is visible on this bombardier's wing.

The Orber dies were purchased by another company and the name was obliterated.This is visible on this pilot's wing.


The seldom encountered mark of Charles Polk Co. "c.P. Co. NYC" is very clearon this flight engineer's wing.

Wing badges were produced in three basic sizes; the three inch wingfor wear on the uniform coat, the two inch for shirt wear, and theone inch and smaller for cap and for "sweethearts." The three-inchand two inch appear to be the only official sizes.

This photo illustrates the three most common sizes ofWorld War II wings.

All three bombardier wings were worn by RC. Slusher, who servedon B-24's with the 445th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. The top wingis the three inch coat wing, the second is the two inch shirt size, andthe bottom was worn on his overseas hat in training. (Slusher)

Right: Robert C. Slusher in training as a bombardier. The wing visible on hisoverseas hat is the same one featured in the above photo. (Slusher)

"Robbins Co Attleboro" is clear on this pin back pilot's wing.


NAVIGATOR

MINIATURE WINGS"Kltll" 'EM FI.VINO"

STERLINGBELL. TRADING CO.

403 W. COPPER

ALBUQUERQUE. N. M.

Aviation wings were officially categorized as badges and are referredto as such in "The Officer's Guide," which was the official handbook of the period. The instructions for wearing badges is stated inthe 1944 edition as follows:

(j) Aviation badge;parachutists' com'bat

Infantryman andexpert Infantryman

badge.

Badges, How Worn. Badges are worn on the left breast; aviation,parachutists, and Combat and Expert Infantryman badges are wornabove the line of medals or service ribbons, other badges below thatline. Aviation badges earned by Army personnel while serving inthe United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are wornimmediately above the upper right pocket of the service coat andimmediately above the right pocket of the service shirt when wornas an outer garment. Substitutes are not authorized to be worn inlieu of badges. There is no order of precedence for badges.

Wearing World War (I - ed.) Aviation Badges. Many officers of theWorld War period have been reappointed into the Army to performadministrative and other duties. Some of these officers were entitledto wear the aviation badge prior to separation from the service. Thereis no specific authority to resume the wearing of this badge. However, unless the authorization has been cancelled in an individualcase it is believed to be quite proper to do so. The officer should beable to produce evidence that he was once entitled to wear the badge.Embarassment may be avoided by presenting this evidence to thelocal commander with a request to wear it.

Above: This miniature pilot wing was my father's. It is intended for wear on thelapel ofa civilian suit coat.

Left: This two inch navigator wing is stilI on the original card with the price of$1.50. (Michael]. Perry)

The approved aviation badges in the 1944 edition of "The Officer'sGuide", 1944 edition, are as below and top of next page:

SENIOR PlLOT

SENIOR BALLOON' PILOT


P:uacbutlsis' Badge.

Bar, AP Armorer.

lanCII PILOT

GLIl)m PlLOT

LIAlION PILOT

Flight Nurse.

Bombardier.

Basic Badge.AAJi' Tcchn1clan.

AIRCR£\v ME7t1DER

N4VlGATOa

n.IOST SURGEON

&lLLOOM OUDV1IIl

It is interesting to note that the 1943 Officer's Guide did not pictureor mention the badges for flying instructor, bombardier, flight nurse,gunner, or AAF technician. Many bombardiers were issued combatobserver wings upon graduation from bombardier school, prior tothe introduction of the bombardier wing badge. This was documented in an article "Bombardier School," which appeared in the18 Ma~ 1942 edition of Life. The article, which chronicled trainingat Midland, Texas, goes on to say that bombardiers may receive awing with a bomb on it soon, which of course happened.

The designation of the" 0" wing badge changed from"combatobserver" in the 1943 "Officer's Guide," to "aircraft observer" inthe 1944 edition.

The final A.A.F. aviation badge, which is not pictured in eitherthe 1943 or 1944 "Officer's Guide," is the flight engineer badge. Thiswing, which featured a radial engine and four blade propeller inthe center, did not appear until late World War II. Prior to the introduction of this wing, flight engineers wore the air crew wing.

Each wing badge was produced in countless designs and patterns. To give you a feel for this, I have provided a number of pilotwing examples. In theory, each of the wing patterns found on thesepilot wings could exist in some or all of the other qualifications.

The first pattern illustrated is the one which most closely follows official drawings and was commonly issued at graduation.Veterans sometimes refer to this pattern as the"slick wing." Eightexamples of this basic pattern are provided. At first glance they appear to be the same, however, on careful examination you will findsubtle differences in these wings.

Gunner.Plate 34. Aviation B3.dges.

445th Bomb Group bombardier RC. Slusher wearing his "graduation combatobserver wing." Bob remembered that when the bombardier wing becameavailable, he immediately bought one. He said, "we all wanted the one with thebomb on it!" (Slusher)


#1Front and back of Sterling clutch back pilot wing by Josten.Josten wings, although simple in design, were ofhigh quality.

#2Front and back of pin back pilot wing by Robbins Co. Thewing is not marked sterling.

#3Front and back ofA.E. Co. sterling pin back pilot wingworn by Joe D. Maguire, 321st Air TransportSquadron, 27th Air Transport Group. Note trianglehallmark on back.


#4Front and back ofan interesting pin back AE. Co. pilotwing die struck from brass and silver plated. The winglikely pre-dates World War II, as brass became veryscarce during war time. It is very unusual to see anAE. Co. wing in non-sterling.

#5Front and back ofa third example ofan AE. Co. pilotwing, this time in sterling clutch back.

#6Front and back: This pin back sterling"slickwing" is from the prestigious firm of Luxenberg.This is sometimes referred to by collectors as a"third pattern" Luxenberg.


#7This pin back example is simply marked "sterling."

#8Front and back: This very heavy "slick wing" is unmarkedwith a brass pin.

#9Although very close to the slick pattern (andarguably stilI is in that category), this pin backsterling wing shows feathering on the shoulders.On the back, the sterling mark is only partiallypresent. Part of the S, TE, and part of the Rarevisible.


#10An attractive stylized pattern in sterling pin back.

#11This badge is unique in that the shield is separately applied to thewing. This was no doubt a manufacturer's attempt at simplifyingproduction by making one wing with different centers applied.Reverse: Another feature of this wing is that it was obviouslyproduced in pin back and clutch back versions. In the upper leftportion of the wing (outside of the catch) a circular mark is visibleindicating where the post would be soldered on the clutch backversion.

#12Non-sterling pin back wing by Gemsco. Reverse: Note theopen catch which is absolutely correct and quite common onpre-World War II wings.


#13An uncommon pattern in sterling pin back. Reverse: Thename "Yock" has been scratched into the wing.

#14A nice issue piece in afairly uncommon pattern.

#15Early Amcraft pin back "snowflake" in non-sterling.Reverse: The "snowflake" pattern is clearly visible in thisphotograph.


#16Sterling pin back pilot by Amico. This pattern is very close tothe second pattern Balfour.

#17This delicate wing pattern is generally believed to date fromthe 1920s. It is sometimes found with the B.B.&B. hallmark.This particular wing is simply marked sterling. The authorhas not seen photographic evidence of this pattern worn inWorld War II, but it is certainly possible.

#18A nicely made pin back sterling pilot.


#19Sterling pin back pilot by Amcraft.

#20 This pattern is often found with the N.S. Meyerhallmark. This particular wing worn by B-25 pilot BillNeilson in the C.B.!. is only marked "sterling."

B-25 pilot William Neilson, 491st Bomb Squadron, wearingthe above wing on his shirt.

84

#21Sterling pin back pilot by Orber.

SILVER WINGS, PINKS & GREENS

#22First pattern Balfour in pin back sterling.

#23Second pattern Balfour in pin back sterling.


#24Third pattern Balfour in pin back sterling. Most of thethird pattern wings seen by the author have had the"frosted" silver finish, as on this piece.

The JlFinely Feathered" Patterns

#25,26,27,28,29,30 and 31 have detailed feathering in the wings. These patterns are highlysought after by collectors because they aremore uncommon and they are beautiful pieces.

#25Pin back sterling; maker unknown.

#26Pin back unmarked. The pattern is similar toBlackinton.


#27The highly prized "Sterling by Blackinton" pin back. Thiswing is very desirable because of its beauty and rarity.Reverse: "Sterling by Blackinton" logo is visible on theshield.

#28Sterling clutch back; maker unknown.

#29Among the most sought after wings bycollectors is this Luxenberg "1 st pattern. " It isvery high quality and extremely detailed. Thispattern is only known to exist in sterling pinback. This particular wing was worn by Lt.Ralph Jenks of the 27th Air Transport Group inEurope.


#30Pin back sterling pilot badge; maker unknown.

#31Although not a rare pattern, the very fine feather detailand overall design makes for avery handsome wingbadge in this pin back sterling example. This is thepattern issued to my dad, Joe Maguire, upon graduation from Frederick Army Air Field, Class of44D(April 1944).

Foreign Made U.S.Wing Patterns

#32Pin back pilot wing by J,R. Gaunt, London. This wingis often found unmarked and seldom in sterling.Reverse: The triangular spring style pin and open catchvisible on this wing are typical ofbadges made in theU.K. (Edwards)


#33This stylized wing is the higher quality die struck versionmade by the Australian firm ofWallace Bishop, Brisbane. Itis marked"silver. " The badge appears to be struck in threeseparate pieces and then soldered together. Reverse: Thiswing also has the triangular spring pin seen frequently onEnglish made wings.

#34Cast version of the Wallace Bishop Brisbane badge. Thiswing appears to be cast of brass and plated. The author hasseen this badge with star attached for senior pilot. Reverse:The makers mark is struck into a separate piece ofmetal andthen applied to the back.

#35Another wing prized by collectors is this pinback sterling "Juarez" pattern generallybelieved to be made in Mexico. These badges arefound unmarked, sterling marked, and marked"coin silver." All examples seen by the authorhave been pin back.


#36This pattern is generally al.R. Gaunt pattern, but thiswing is unmarked. Ludlaw made a very similar patternalso. The method ofattachment on this wing is unusual inthat it has lugs and a cotter pin, as is common on Britishmetal insignia.

#37This sterling pin back wing badge was made byAngus & Coote ofAustralia. Reverse: Makermark reads "Angus & Coote Stg. Sil."

#38This die struck stylized pattern in clutch back is froman unknawn maker. The piece is unmarked.


#39This wing, although technically not a World War II era piece,is included as it is of speical interest, and has unusual ties toWorld War II. It was produced by the German firm ofAssmann, which manufactured German pilots' badgesduring World War II. It is a clutch back wing, and is markedwith the Assmann "A" and "322." It was more than likelymanufactured for occupation forces.

Senior and Command RatingsPilot wing badges were also awarded in senior andcommand versions. The senior pilot wing was authorized to have a star, one half inch in diameter,1/16 of an inch above the shield. Sometimes thestar is found struck as one piece with the wing andsometimes separately applied. The requirementsgenerally accepted for senior pilot were five yearsof service and 1500 hours logged.

This '9th Air Force Major wears an Amcraft pattern seniorpilot wing. Also of interest is the theater made 9th Air Forcepatch on his shoulder. (Campbell Archives)

Two at right: Non-sterling pin back N.S. Meyer senior pilotwing with star on posts soldered onto the shield. (JSIndustries)

Non-sterling pin back N.S. Meyer senior pilot wing. This wing has the collar size General's staraffixed. (Linke)

N.S. Meyer produced senior wings in several variations. One utilized a collar sizeGeneral's rank star soldered onto the top of the shield. A second version featured asmaller star with two posts coming off of the bottom points, affixed to the shield.


This seniar pilot wing is the Orber pattern insterling. It appears to have been converted frompin back to clutch back for ease ofwearing on theuniform.

The command pilot wing was the samedesign as the senior pilot with a wreathencircling the star. A minimum of tenyears service and 2000 hours was requiredfor this badge.

A nice early unmarked pin back command pilotwing.

Non-sterling pin back command pilot wing byMeyer. (Linke)

This command pilot wing is a sterling clutch backmarked AE. Co.


Brig. General I.E. Upston wears acommand pilot wing in this photo. (Linke) Major General Paul L. Williams, Commanding General, 9th Troop CarrierCommand, wears acommand pilot's wing in this photo. (U.S.A.A.F.)

This high quality command pilot's wing is a sterling, clutch back made by Jostin.


The Navigator Wing BadgeNavigator wings were awarded upon completion of the A.A.F.course in aerial navigation. The device in the center of the wing isan ancient astronomical instrument called an armillary sphere. Thebadge was established 4, September 1942.

Sterling clutch back navigator by Balfour.

Sterling pin back navigator by Gemsco. (Linke)

This beautiful, finely feathered, sterling pinback navigator wing was worn by Howard R.Sossamon who served on B-24s with the 767thBomb Squadron, 461st Bomb Group, 15th AirForce.

Lt. Wilmer Walstad wore this sterling clutchback navigator wing. Walstad served on B-17swith the 94th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force andwas a member of the Caterpillar Club.


The Air Crew Member Wing BadgeThis rating was established 4 September 1942 and was originallygiven to gunners, radio operators, photographers and various otherair crew members.

Sterling pin back air crew wing by Balfour.

Sterling pin back air crew; maker unknown.(Linke)

Sterling pin back air crew. (Linke)

Sterling pin back air crew by N.S. Meyer. (Linke)

Unmarked clutch back air crew.


The Bombardier Wing BadgeThe bombardier badge was awarded to graduates of the A.A.F. bombardiers training program. The rating was established 4 September1942 and discontinued 26 July 1949. The device in the center of thebadge is a bomb falling on a target.

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~l(~PjJ)1) ,-This unmarked clutch back badge was worn byBob Slusher, 445th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force.

This sterling pin back badge was also worn byBob Slusher.

The classic Balfour pattern bombardier. The bombwas separately applied using two rivets on thisbadge.

Sterling pin back bombardier by Orber. (Linke)

96

A beautiful English made bombardier wing.(Michael J. Perry)


Sterling pin back bombardier by A.E. Co. (Linke)

This exquisite Luxenberg pin back sterlingbombardier was worn by Thomas Burrell, 447thBomb Group, 8th Air Force. (Michael J. Perry)

"Juarez" pattern bombardier in coin silver, pinback.


~ ~.

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• . I... ' ! c."'", .. \ Y. I <:' .t~ ..: _. _ ;J

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The Aerial GunnerWing BadgeTo qualify as an aerial gunner, the airmanhad to graduate from a six week coursein flexible gunnery. Navigator and bombardier cadets had to take this course also.The badge, which features a bullet withwings, was established 29 April 1943 anddiscontinued 26 July 1949.

Above left: Sterling pin back gunner by Balfour.

Fine feathered sterling pin back gunner. (Linke)

Sterling pin back gunner by A.E. Co.

Sterling clutch back gunner. (Linke)

Sterling pin back gunner. (Linke)

Unmarked clutch back gunner wing.


The Combat Observer/ Aircraft Observer badge had an "0" in thecenter of the wings. This badge was not often worn, as many whoqualified preferred to wear the more recognized wing badges. Therating was established 14 October 1921 and discontinued 26 July1949. This badge was also obtainable in the senior version with starover the"0", for observers with 500 hours and at least five yearsservice as a rated observer.

The Combat Observer/Aircraft Observer Wing BadgeThis is one of the more confusing qualification badges of World WarII because of the change in name and in the numerous possible waysof earning the qualification. The badge is referred to as "combatobserver" through the 1943 edition of "The Officers Guide." In the1944 edition the designation changes to "aircraft observer." Thisqualification in 1944 could be earned by two distinctive groups. Thefirst group eligible for the rating of aircraft observer was for individuals who held ratings as pilot, senior pilot, command pilot andballoon pilot. These individuals had to have qualified as expert aerialgunner or aerial sharpshooter, been certified by their commandingofficer as competent to perform the job of aircraft observer and meetone of the following:

(1) Be a graduate of the A.A.F. Tactical School with six years asa rated pilot.(2) Completed the course in aerial navigation, be a qualifiedbombardier, or have served regularly as an assigned memberof a combat crew in an observation/reconnaissance unit.(3) Have served as an assigned member of a combat crew in a

balloon squadron, and be certified competent by the commanding officer to be an Aircraft Observer. The second group whichwas eligible for the Aircraft Observer badge consisted of individuals who held the ratings of Bombardier, Navigator, RadioObserver Night Fighter, Radio Observer RCM, and Flight Engineer. To earn the observer rating these individuals had to demonstrate their ability to perform these duties satisfactorily in atheater of operations, be certified as competent in these functions by their commanding office, and have flown 50 hours ofcombat performing these functions.

This lieutenant of the 422nd N.F.S., receiving the D.F.C., is wearing the Aircraft Observer wing. (Stegner via Campbell)

Sterling pin back Combat Observer/Aircraft Observer by Amico. Sterling pin back Combat Observer/Aircraft Observer; no maker mark.


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r

The Service Pilot WingThis badge looked like a pilot wing withthe letter "S" in the shield. Established 4September 1942, the service pilot ratingwas created to allow experienced civilianpilots who were over age to join the ArmyAir Force and fly assignments other thancombat. Typical assignments for servicepilots included flight instructor, cargo andferrying. Service pilots with 1500 militaryhours and five years experience as a civilian pilot qualified for the senior servicepilots wing, which had a star above theshield.

Above left: Sterling clutch back service pilot wing.(Michael ]. Perry)

Sterling pin back first pattern Balfour servicepilot wing.

Sterling pin back Meyer service pilot wing.(Linke)

The Liaison Pilot WingThe letter "L" in the shield signified liaison pilot. This rating was established 4September 1942. These pilots flew small,lightweight aircraft such as L-4s and L5s, primarily as artillery spotters. Theyalso, on occasion, provided other utilityfunctions such as casualty evacuation andtransportation for high ranking officersand other VIPs. Liaison pilots often wereSergeants, as opposed to officers, and hada shorter training period than A.A.F. pilots. Liaison pilots were not qualified tofly the more powerful and heavier combat aircraft. There was no senior versionof the liaison wing authorized.

Above left: Sterling pin back liaison pilot wing; nomaker mark. (Linke)

Sterling pin back liaison pilot wing from theseldom encountered maker, Dodge Inc" Chicago.

100 SILVER WINGS, PINKS & 9REENS

The Glider Pilot WingGlider wings were awarded to individualswho graduated from the advanced coursein glider pilot training. These men were often Staff-Sergeants or Flight Officers. Pilotscould also be rated as glider pilots if theyhad three hours time, made a minimum often landings, passed a flight test and wererecommended by an examining board.Most pilots made sure they did not complete these requirements to avoid beingcalled up on an emergency glider assault!The glider wing was established 4 September 1942.

Above right: Sterling pin back glider pilot wing byAmico.

Pin back glider pilot wing by f.R. Gaunt, London.(Edwards)

Pin back sterling "Juarez" glider pilot wing.(Edwards)

Pin back sterling glider pilot wing. (Linke)

Pin back sterling glider pilot wing by Amcraft.


The Flight Engineer WingThis was one of the last wings authorizedin World War II (19 June 1945). Flight engineers were the chief aircraft technicianswhile in the air and served double dutYas air gunners on bomber crews. Prior tothe introduction of this wing, flight engineers wore air crew wings.

Sterling clutch back flight engineer wing made bythe seldom encountered 11!aker, Charles Polk Co.

Pin back flight engineer wing by N. S. Meyer.(Linke)

The Medical Wings Flight Surgeonand Flight NurseCivilian physicians, who were aviationmedical examiners prior to entering theservice, could qualify as a flight surgeonafter one year in the service and 50 hoursof flying time. When first established, 11February 1943, the flight surgeon wingwas gold. On 12 September 1944 the colorwas changed to silver to follow the tradition established with other U.S. Armywing badges.

Gold plated pin back sterling flight surgeon wing.(Linke)

One of the most elegant wing designs of the periodwas this Balfour flight surgeon in clutch back 1/20 10K gold filled finish.

102

The Balfour silver flight surgeon in pin backsterling.


The flight nurse wing established 15 December 1943 was awardedto women in the Army Nurse Corps who served at least six monthsat an A.A.F. hospital and completed the eight week training coursefor flight nurses. These women served on board casualty evacua-

Gold plated sterling pin back flight nurse wing by Amico.

tion aircraft, which were most often C-47 Skytrains. Like the flightsurgeon wing, the flight nurse wing was originally authorized ingold, but changed to silver 12 September 1944. The flight nurse wingonly came in the two inch size.

Clutch back sterling silver flight nurse wing marked acid test and sterling.

Two flight nurses with wings visible over left breast' pocket, talking with pilots of the 27th Air Transport Group in the E. T.O.


The TechnicalObserver WingCommissioned officers who were rated ascommand pilot, senior pilot, pilot, seniorballoon pilot, or balloon pilot, could obtain the technical observer wing if theywere certified by their commanding officer as qualified by experience and ability to perform technical observation dutyincident to the operation of aircraft inflight. These might include performanceof duty by air combat crew, equipmentoperation, and evaluation of air tactics,such as formation flying. This rating wasestablished in 1942.

Pin back sterling technical obseroer wing; no maker mark.

Lighter Than Air BadgesAlthough obsolete by World War II, balloon wings were still worn during theperiod. There were three basic types oflighter than air wings awarded by theArmy; balloon pilot, balloon observer, andairship pilot. Of these wings, balloon pilot was the only one with a star, indicating senior status, obtainable.

This early pin back balloon pilot wing dates from1919. The same basic design was in use from thatperiod until it became obsolete.

Sterling pin back balloon obseroer wing by N.S.Meyer.

Pin back airship pilot wing.


The Flying Instructors Wing6 March 1943 a new "wing" was authorized to beworn on the right cuff of the uniform for flight instructors. The wing was described as "gold wingsembroidered in silk, two inches from tip to tip, ofthe same design as the air corp insignia, omittingthe propeller."

Although officially to be made of silk, instructors wings wereoften made of bullion wire, as is the case with this example.

The 1/e" WingOne wing occasionally surfaces, which has been misidentified and speculated about by historians andcollectors, with a "C" in the shield. It exists as a onepiece die struck wing and as a pilot wing with theletter"C" separately attached. It is confusing in thatit is a three inch, often pin back wing, in the sameconfiguration as the glider, liaison, and service pilotwings and looks like a World War II wing badge. Inactuality, the"C" wing was a cap device for civilianinstructors at Cimarron Field outside of OklahomaCity, Oklahoma.

Front and back of Sterling pin back Cimarron Field civilian instructor's cap wing. (Cook)

Left: Civilian instructor at Cimarron Field wearing a variation of the "C" wing on his hat.


B-26 clipped pilot wing originally owned by Marauder pilot R.H. Swan.(Edwards)

The B-26 1/ Clipped Wing"An interesting novelty wing of World War II was created by B-26Marauder pilots. The B-26 had a very high wing loading and consequently was a very "hot" airplane to fly. In honor of their airplane,many Marauder pilots had wings cut down leaving only the shoulder portion.

One variation ofa p.o.w. made pilot wing. (Michael]. Perry)

P.O.W. WingsWhen flyers were shot down and became prisoners of war, theyoften were not able to keep their original wing badges for one reason or another. P.O.W.s began casting wings from tin foil saved fromfood packages and used them for sale or barter in the camps. Thesewings were of many designs, usually a variation on an official A.A.F.wing.

Bullion WingsIn addition to the endless variations of metal wing badges, thereexisted an equally amazing variety of bullion and cloth wings. Eachbullion wing was hand made, so each one was a unique piece. Usually the wing was made on a separate piece of cloth, the same coloras the uniform, and sewn into place. Occasionally uniforms are seenwith bullion insignia sewn right into the uniform. To date, bullionwings have not been as sought after by many collectors as their metalcounterparts. In the author's opinion, they provide a beautiful display and are a very important part of U.S. Army Air Force insigniahistory. I have provided a number of examples of bullion and clothwings for your review.

Bullion command pilot wing on olive drab.

Left: This 'beautiful set of pilot, senior pilot and command pilot wings in bullionwas obviously made by the same person. (Edwards)

106

This unusual bullion senior pilot wingwith upside down star, was worn byColonel George E. Lowell, Jr. (J. WCook)

A nicely detailed pilot wing in bullionwith no visible backing. When applied toa uniform, this wing would appear to bemade into the uniform cloth itself.

Bullion pilot wing on cotton twill.Often, bullion insignia was applied tocotton uniforms with snaps, so theinsignia could be removed for laundering. This wing was likely never worn ona uniform.

SILVER WINGS/ PINKS & GREENS


Bullion pilot wing on olive drab cloth with finished edge toprevent unraveling.

Bullion pilot wing on olive drab.

A heavily tarnished bullion pilot wing, on twill, sewn in placeon a summer tan uniform. (Smetana)


An unusual pilot wing design in bullion incorporating sequins in the feathers and an open shield.(Michael]. Perry)

This wing is one of the most beautiful bullion designs the author has encountered! It is sewn to a piece of brass with an English style pin, so it may be removed from theuniform. This wing was made in the C.B.!. and was worn by William Neilson, who flew B-25s with the 491st Bomb Squadron.

Lt. William Neilson (left), stateside, enjoying dinner with friends. Close examination reveals that Neilson is wearing the beautiful pin back bullion pilot wing (visible tothe right of the champagne bucket over his ribbon bar).

WINGS & OTHER QUALIFICATION BADGES

A highly stylized bombardier wing in bullion on olive drab cloth. (Edwards)

109

Brigadier General I.E. Upston wearing a cloth command pilot wing on his bushjacket. (Linke)

Bullion bombardier wing on tan wool.

Padded, uncut glider wing in bullion on olivedrab. (Edwards)

Bullion navigator wing on tan twill.

110

Bullion navigator wing on olive drab wool.

Bullion air gunner wing on tan wool.

Bullion air crew wing on tan wool.

Gold flight surgeon wing in bullion on paddedolive drab cloth.



This officer is wearing a World War I era wing on his shirt. As he does not appear to be old enough to be a World War I veteran, it is conceivable that he got permissionto wear a relative's wing. This is seldom encountered on World War II uniforms.

Silver flight surgeon wing in bullion on tan wool cloth. World War I era U.S. pilot's wing similar to the one seen in the above photo.

C.B.I. theater made bullIOn service pilot wing.


The /J Combat Crew" PatchA fair number of photographs and actual uniforms exist with the combatcrew patch visible behind the wing badge. This patch was not seen consistently in any particular theater and seems to be most common in theE.T.O. Several stories have surfaced as to how it came about. One saysthat it was authorized to prevent non-aircrew members from pinning onwings when off base, to "impress the girls." The 19 December 1943 issueof "Yank" shows the blue patch behind the wings and says that it indicated the individual was on a combat crew. Members of the 493rd BombGroup recall the blue patch showed they were on operations, and goldbraid around the patch indicated lead crew. 20th Fighter Group veteransremember the blue patch as used by crewmen after their first mission todistinguish them from aircrew not in combat.

The blue "combat crew" patch sewn in place on this air gunner's "Ike jacket."

Above and below: An English made, white silk air crew wing on the bluecombat crew patch.

Above and below: English made combat crew patch with gold braidindicating lead crew.


This pilot of the 422nd Night Fighter Squadron, receiving the D.F.C., wears the combat crew patch behind his pilot wing. (Stegner via Campbell)

In addition to wings worn on the rectangular patch, they were also simply madeon blue backgrounds, cut to shape.

Above: This beautifully detailed bullion pilot wing on blue was worn by P-47 pilot Sidney D.Radoccia of the 485th Fighter Squadron, 370th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force.

Above: Another beautiful example ofa bullion pilot wing on blue. (Edwards)

Left: This B-26 air gunner of the 585th Bomb Squadron, 394th Bomb Group, wears the combatcrew patch behind his air gunner wing.


English made, bullion glider pilot wing on blue. (Edwards)

Wings of Other Countries Wornon U.S.A.A.F. UniformsAmerican airmen, who had qualified for wings of other countries,were entitled to wear those wings on the right breast of their American uniform. Many Americans in World War I first served with the

World War I era French pilot ll)ing as worn by many Americans. The design ofthis wing has not changed since that time period.

The wings ofa Royal Air Force pilot as worn by many American airmen.

Right: An American Colonel wearing the French pilot wing. (Campbell)

French before the u.s. entered the war. These airmen, if still servingin World War II, could wear their French wings.

The most common foreign wings worn by u.s. airmen were thoseof the United Kingdom. Many Americans served with the Canadians or the British before transferring to the U.S.A.A.F.. Americanswho served with the A.Y.G. wore Chinese wings on their A.A.F.uniforms after transferring.


Former Eagle Squadron members Don Gentile and Duane Beeson after transferring to the AAF.. Their R.AF. pilot wings are clearly visible over their rightbreast pockets. (U.S.AF.)

Above: This pilot of the 27th Air Transport Group wears an R.AF. pilot wing onhis right breast.

Left: A British glider pilot wing can be seen on the right chest of this Americanglider pilot. (Conway)

116

Other Qualification Badges


To qualify for the technician badge an airman was required to haveat least six months service and evidence of capability or graduationfrom a technical training course in any of 24 specialties. The specialties were: airplane armorers; airplane electrical, hydraulic and instrument specialist; airplane mechanic, machinist, metal worker andwelder; airplane power plant specialist; airplane propeller specialist; ACS radio specialist; bombsight mechanic, link trainer instruc-

Army Air Force technician badge in pin back sterling with mechanic bar. (Linke)

Sharpshooter and 1st class gunner. (Linke)

Right: Expert.

tor, parachute rigger, photographer, photographic laboratory technician, power turret and gunsight specialist, radio V-I mechanic,radio V-I observer, radio mechanic, radio operator, teletypewritermechanic, weather forecaster, observer. Late in the war three qualification bars were added: RC Turret Mech., RC T.Mech. Gunner, andRC Turret Rep.

Arms Qualifications Badges

Above: Marksman and 2nd class gunner. (Linke)


These two airmen wear the same three qualification badges. The wing badge is "aircrew. II Under thewing to the reader's left is the basic badge for AAF. technician with bars for radio operator andradio mechanic. The badge to the reader's right under the aircrew wing is the marksman and secondclass gunner badge. The bar under this badge is not legible in the photograph.

@ Badges for markSmanship, gunnery.

bombing, etc.

The 1944 edition of "The Officers Guide" gives thefollowing information regarding "badges for marksmanship, gunnery, bombing, etc."

Badges for marksmanship, gunnery, bombing etc.Badges for qualification in use ofarms. General. For anyone weapon, only the badge for the qualification held at the time will be worn. For thedesignation of authorized weapons see AR 600-35. No more than one basic badge (AR 600-35) of any class, for example, marksman, pistolmarksman, etc., will be worn. Requalification, or qualification in the same class with more than one weapon, will be indicated by appropriate bars (AR 600-35), which will be worn attached to the basic badge.

Period during which badges may be worn.(a) Enlisted men. Badges attained by individual enlisted men as a result of qualification in weapons designated as their principal arm maybe worn from the date the qualification or requalification is announced in orders until their next opportunity to requalify. Badges attainedin weapons other than those designated as their principal arm may be worn during the period of current enlistment or until they are agiantested for qualification.(b) Officers. Officers may wear the badge of last qualification.

Badges for distinguished designations.Army team and corps area team marksmanship badges.Army Air Forces technician badge.Driver and mechanic award badge.Marine drivers badge. See AR 775-50 for qualifications.Aviation badges. Eligibility to wear Army aviation badges will be as prescribed by the Commanding General, Army Air Forces.

CHAPTER III

ARMY AIRFORCEPATCHESShoulder Sleeve Insignia

The War Department approved shoulder sleeve insignia to be worn onthe left sleeve below the shoulder. The Army Air Forces insignia was a

. white star with a red disc in the center, with gold wings surmountingthe star, on an ultra-marine disc. The ultra-marine background sym

bolized the air and sky and the gold wings above the star were an indication ofvictorious operations.

The most common examples of World War II era A.A.F. sleeve patches arethe fully embroidered types. Following is a photographic reference of Army AirForce patches of World War II, most of which are fully embroidered examples.Variations will be covered later in the chapter.

119

The 1st Air Force - Headquarters at Mitchel Field, New York.Eastern United States/Atlantic seaboard.

The 2nd Air Force - Headquarters at Fort George Wright,Washington. Western United States.

Left: The Army Air Forces insignia.

OPPOSITE: Oris Johnson of the 422nd NFS wearing anembroidered version of the green bat squadron insignia. (Stegnervia Campbell)


The 3rd Air Force - Headquarters at Tampa, Florida. Southeastern United States.

The 5th Air Force - Headquarters on Java in the Netherlands Indies, February1942. Headquarters moved to Brisbane, Australia in September 1942, and movedthroughout the Southwest Pacific with the Allied advance.

The 4th Air Force - Headquarters at March Field, California. Far western UnitedStates.

The 6th Air Force - Headquarters at Albrook Field in the Canal Zone. Caribbeanarea.

ARMY AIR FORCE PATCHES 121

The 7th Air Force - Headquarters at Hickam Field, Hawaii, and advanced toSaipan and Okinanwa. Central Pacific.

The 9th Air Force - Headquarters in Egypt, England, and France. Carried outtactical missions over Europe.

The 8th Air Force - Headquarters at High Wycombe, England. Carried outstrategic missions over Europe.

The 10th Air Force - Headquarters in India. India-Burma area.


The 11 th Air Force - Headquarters at Elmendorf Field, Alaska, and later moved toAdak Island in the Aleutians. Northern Pacific.

The 13th Air Force - Headquarters and operations in the south Pacific.

The 12th Air Force - Headquarters in Algeria, Tunisia, and Italy. Carried outtactical missions in the Mediterranean area.

The 14tTz Air Force - Headquarters and operations in China.


The 15th Air Force - Headquarters in Italy. Carried out strategic missions in theMediterranean and Europe.

United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe. Established January 1, 1944 underthe command of General Carl Spaatz at Bushy Park, England. In August 1945,USSTAF was redesignated "U.S. Air Forces in Europe. "

The 20th Air Force - Activated April 1944 in Washington, D. C. B-29Superfortress operations against Japan.

Mediterranean Allied Air Force. Composed of u.s. and British air commands;fought in the Mediterranean area under Lt. General Ira Eaker. EstablishedDecember 1943.


Desert Air Force. Composed of u.s. and British air commands; fought in northAfrica. This example is on felt.

Headquarters Command. This is actually a U.S. Air Force patch, as the commandwas established in March 1948 at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. Theinsignia was originally approved for the Bolling Field Detachment, later the 14thBomb Squadron.

The 12th Tactical Air Command; assigned to 12th Air Force.

Continental Air Command. This patch is also a USAF patch dating from 1948.Headquarters at Mitchell AFB, New York.


1st Troop Carrier Command. Trained troop carrier organizations and personnelestablished at Stout Field, Indiana, 1942.

Air Technical Service Command; Europe. Established February 1945, responsiblefor aircraft supply and maintenance for the 8th, 9th and 1st Tactical Air Forces.

9th Troop Carrier Command; assigned to 9th Air Force. Airborne and transportoperations in the E.T.O.

Air Materiel Command. Headquarters Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. ActivatedMarch 1946.


9th Engineer Command (Advance). Established in March 1944 as a component ofthe 9th Air Force. Their mission was to construct and refurbish airfields on thecontinent.

Alaskan Air Command. Established December 1945, at Elmendorf Field.

Far East Air Force. Established in August 1944 under Major General GeorgeKenney at Brisbane, Australia to provide command for USAAF units in theSouthwest Pacific.

Women's Air Ferrying Command.


U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Established in August 1945 (formerly USSTAF).

Combat Crew.

Army Airways Communications System Wing; Ashville, North Carolina. AACSbecame a command in Apri/1944. Personnel worked in control towers, communications, cryptographic rooms, radio facilities etc.

Military Air Transport Service. Established June 1948.


Air Training Command USAF. Shoulder patch approved 1949.

Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corp. This patch was first worn in 1947.

The Air University. Established March 1946 at Maxwell Field, Alabama.

GHQ Air Force. This Army Air Corps "pin wheel" design was the forerunner tothe "winged star" as the A.A.F. insignia. The insignia represents a whirlingpropeller. This example is on felt.


Oklahoma City Air Depot.

Ferry Command.

Air Transport Command.

Air Transport Command, Ground Personnel.


VariationsPerhaps the second most common form of U.S.A.A.F. shoulder patch,behind the fully embroidered versions, were the embroidered onfelt variations. I have included five felt examples.

1st Air Force, embroidered on felt.

3rd Air Force, embroidered on felt.

2nd Air Force, embroidered on felt.

15th Air Force, embroidered on felt.


United States Strategic Air Forces, embroidered on felt.

Some of the most interesting variations in U.S.A.A.F. shoulderpatches exist in the theater made examples.

AAF. patch made in the C.B.I. theater, worn by B-25 pilot Bill Neilson of the491st Bomb Squadron.

Other fabrics, such as twill or hopsack weaves, were used occasionally as backingas is found in this 4th Air Force example.

Reverse of Neilson's AAF. patch with snaps for removal from uniform forlaundering.


C.B.I. made 10th Air Force patch, hand embroidered on cotton twill. Reverse of C.B.I. made 10th Air Force patch.

Front and rear ofanother theater made Tenth Air Force patch.


Theater made C.B.I. patch worn by B-25 pilot Bill Neilson, 491st BombSquadron.

Reverse of Neilson's C.B.I. patch with snaps, for removal from uniform forlaundering.

The original design of the 8th Air Force insignia was this version with short, straight wings. When it was submitted for approval the wings were extended and curvedto conform more with the rest of the AAF. designs. Many of the theater-made examples maintained the original design and old time 8th vets much preferred this shortwing version, made in the United Kingdom. Right: Reverse of English made, short winged 8th Air Force patch.


This embroidered on felt 5th Air Force patch was made in Australia.

Australian made 5th Air Force patch on cotton twill.

Reverse ofAustralian made 5th Air Force patch on felt.

This theater made version of the 9th Troop Carrier Command patch was probablymore commonly worn than the American made version.


This 9th Engineer Command patch was most likely theater made in Italy orGermany.

Above and below: This Far East Air Forces patch was theater made in Australia.

Bullion PatchesThe most beautiful and unusual variations of U.S.A.A.F. patchesare those made of bullion wire. As with bullion wings, each patch isa unique hand-made piece. Examples are found both U.S. and theater made. Some of the most outstanding bullion pieces were madein the C.B.!. theater, but beautiful examples were made in the U.S.,Italy, England and other locations worldwide. I have provided anumber of examples of World War II era bullion shoulder insignia.

Left: 1st Air Force patch in bullion on felt.


4th Air Force patch in bullion on felt. (Edwards)

A unique C.B.I. made 10th Air Force patch in bullion on velvet. C.B.l. madepatches are frequently made using velvet backing. (Edwards)

5th Air Force patch in bullion on felt. (Edwards)

Reverse of bullion 10th Air Force patch with snaps visible so it could be removedfrom the uniform for laundering. (Edwards)


A very well made CR.I. patch in bullion on velvet, made in theater. This patchworn by B-25 pilot Bill Neilson, 491st Bomb Squadron.

This magnificent, heavy bullion 12th Air Force patch was theater made.

Reverse of velvet and bullion CR.I. patch with snaps.

This 12th Air Force patch is bullion wire applied over a fully embroidered patch.(Edwards)


Above: Theater made, bullion onvelvet, 15th Air Force patch.(Edwards)

Right: 20th Air Force, bullion onwool. (Edwards)

Below: An exceptionally high quality,C.B.I. made, bullion on velvet AAF.patch. This example also from B-25pilot Bill Neilson, 491st BombSquadron.

Above: Bullion on felt 15th AirForce patch.

Below: Another beautiful example ofa C.B,I. made, bullion on velvetAAF. patch. (Edwards)


These four bullion on felt Army Air Force patches are typical ofexample sold by u.s. uniform and tailor shops.


Two above and below left: Three theater made examples ofAAF. patches. All incorporating borders into the design.

This example of the AAF. insignia is tinsel wire on felt.


Another very interesting group of variations of A.A.F. shoulder insignia are those made of leather for use on flight jackets. These designs are found simply painted on a leather disc, tooled, and in veryelaborate multi-piece leather construction.

This 7th Air Force patch is painted directly on the left shoulder ofan A-2 jacketworn by B-24 pilot Burt Sheriff of the 26th Bomb Squadron. The B-24 was "LadyFrom Hades. "

Multi-piece leather with painted details, 10th Air Force patch from the A-2 jacketof "Dolph" Farrand, B-25 pilot with the 490th Bomb Squadron, "Burma BridgeBusters. "

Multi-piece leather 9th Air Force patch.

Multi-piece leather, with painted details, on suede, 14th Air Force patch made inthe C.B.I. theater.


Multi-piece leather with painted details, 14th Air Force patch. (Oliver)

Multi-piece leather C.B.!. patch from B-25 pilot Dolph Farrand's A-2 jacket. This AAF. patch is a combination wool, leather, and bullion for use on an A-2jacket.


A very interesting study of World War II shoulder insignia can bemade by examining variations of a single unit insignia. Here follows a series of eighteen 8th Air Force shoulder patches to illustratejust a few of the endless variations.

Above: At first glance these fully embroidered 8th Air Force patches appear the same. On close examination several differences are found. The first example has ninefeathers to a wing and only one open space at the bottom, where the wing joins the "8 ". The second example has eight feathers to a wing and two open spaces at thebottom ofeach wing. Further careful scrutiny will reveal other subtle differences.

Two examples of the short-winged English made version of the 8th Air Force patch.


Three additional examples of the short-winged English made version of the 8th Air Force patch.

This printed patch was probably intended for use on the field jacket or raincoat.


These four variations are also English made, but the design conforms more to the official curved wing U.S. version.


This English made example is fully embroidered of silk thread. Above, below and opposite: Six versions of the 8th Air Force patch in bullion.


Another study of variations on a unit insignia is presented usingthe 9th Air Force shoulder patch.

Bullion over fully embroidered 9th Air Force patch.

Hand embroidered on felt, theater made, 9th Air Force patch.

Fully embroidered cotton, U.S. made, 9th Air Force patch.

This style of English made, on wool or felt, 9th Air Force patch was widely worn.


English made fully embroidered silk 9th Air Force patch.

A beautiful, heavy bullion example. The silver wire is aluminum, which hasresisted tarnishing over the years.

This printed version of the 9th Air Force patch was possibly intended for use onfield jackets or raincoats.

Nice example ofa theater made 9th Air Force bullion insignia.


Three nice examples of theater made 9th Air Force bullion insignia.


Squadron PatchesPerhaps the most interesting and complicated group of A.A.F.patches is squadron patches. A typical heavy bomb squadron wasmade up of 67 officers, 360 enlisted men and 12 airplanes. A medium bomb squadron would consist of 67 officers, 310 enlisted menand 16 airplanes. A fighter squadron typically would have 39 officers, 245 enlisted men and 25 airplanes. Relatively speaking, thesewere small units. As the Army Air Forces grew, there were hundreds of squadrons around the globe. Many of these squadron hadofficial insignia, but a large number of squadron patches were unofficial. The unofficial insignia was most often theater made. Giventhe vast number of squadrons and the scope of their deployment,we can only guess at the number of World War II era squadronpatches and variations that existed. This is by no stretch of the imagination a complete work on squadron patches. I would like to offerthe reader some general knowledge and ideas about this extremelycomplex subject, and provide some basic references.

Probably the most common examples found are U.S. madesquadron patches, which are often machine embroidered on heavyfelt. Another variety of U.S. made squadron patch sought after by

collectors is the chenille variation. These are thick, textile patchesmade in the style reminiscent of letter patches found on high schoolletter jackets. Squadron insignia are found painted on leather discs,canvas discs, and even painted directly on flight jackets. There weresome U.S. made versions which featured a decal applied to a leatherdisc. The method of construction of theater made patches was largelydependent on the ability of local talent and materials available. Airmen who had access to the Isle of Capri wore some wonderful tooledleather insignia made by area craftsmen. C.B.I. veterans often worespectacular examples of multi-piece leather insignia made by native artists. If the squadron had someone with artistic ability, thatindividual may very well have made the patches. Most squadronpatches are around five inches in diameter, but size does vary.

As with any area of collectibles, squadron patches have beenand are being reproduced. They are very desirable items and if youwant to collect them, find people with experience in the field andlearn from them. As with wings, there are many reputable dealersand collectors - you just have to seek them out! Veterans are thesafest source.

This photograph shows local talent in action! These enlisted men of the 422nd N.F.S. are making squadron patches painted on leather. (Stegner via Campbell)


U. S. made 158th Liaison Squadron patch embroidered on felt. Technically not a squadron patch, this A.T.e. flight jacket size patch provides anice example ofa decal on leather insignia. (Michael]. Perry)

A decal on leather, 1st Troop Carrier Command jacket patch acquired by Lt. Joe Chenille 709th Bomb Squadron patch. (Michael J. Perry)W. Stevens while in training at Sedalia Army Air Field, Warrensburg, Missouri.Stevens later served in the 321st Air Transport Squadron in the E.T.O. as a C-47pilot. (Stevens)


Chenille 601st Bomb Squadron patch. (Michael]. Perry) Chenille 711th Bomb Squadron patch on an A-2 jacket. (Michael]. Perry)

These two examples oj512th Fighter Squadron patches provide an interesting comparison. The first is painted or printed on a leather disc, while the second is painteddirectly on an A-2 jacket. (Michael]. Perry)


Handpainted on leather 324th Bomb Squadron patch. This was the same squadronin which the famed "Memphis Bell" B-17 served. This patch is on an A-2 jacketfrom a crew member of "The Wild Hare."

Handpainted 14th Troop Carrier Squadron patch. (Callahan)

26th Bomb Squadron insignia painted directly on an A-2 jacket worn by B-24pilot Burt Sheriff.

Although not worn as commonly as squadron patches, some airmen did weargroup patches. This 456th Bomb Group patch is typical of tooled and paintedinsignia made on the Isle ofCapri. (Michael]. Perry)


A multi-piece leather 7th Bomb Group patch made in the C.B.I. theater. (ISIndustries)

This leather patch is the unofficial insignia of the 456th Bomb Group, "Steed'sFlying Colts. " It is also of the style commonly seen from the Isle of Capri.

Hand tooled and painted 826th Bomb Squadron patch made on the Isle of Capri.Also note the leather navigator's wing. (Hayes)

Tooled and painted 2nd Fighter Squadron patch made on the Isle of Capri.(Michael ]. Perry)


Another variation ofan Isle of Capri made 2nd Fighter Squadron patch.(Conway)

This stunning 414th Night Fighter Squadron patch was hand embroidered in theMediterranean. (Michael]. Perry)

This tooled leather, painted insignia is of the 816th Bomb Squadron, 483rd BombGroup, 15th Air Force. (Chris Oliver)

400th Bomb Squadron "Black Pirates," 90th Bomb Group ,,!oIly Rogers" patchmade in Australia. (Michael]. Perry)


Theater made, on felt, 865th Bomb Squadron patch. Multi-piece fabric constructed 44th Bomb Group insignia, "The Flying EightBalls. " (Michael]. Perry)

An unusual specialized insignia for 44th Bomb Group flying control. (Michael]. C.B.!. made multi-piece leather patch of the 375th Bomb Squadron.Perry)


Above left: Multi-piece leather, with painted details, patch of the 490th Bomb Squadron, "Burma Bridge Busters." This patch is from the A-2 jacket worn by "Dolph"Farrand, B-25 pilot. Above right: Lt. c.A. "Dolph" Farrand wearing the above 490th Bomb Squadron patch on his A-2 jacket. The airplane is a B-25H. (Farrand)

Tooled and painted leather 491st Bomb Squadron patch on B-25 pilot WilliamNeilson's A-2 jacket. Neilson served with the 491st in the C.B.I.

Army Airways Communications System Wing in multi-piece leather. (Oliver)


Leather, CB.I. made, 14th Combat Cargo Squadron patch. (JS Industries)

A tiger riding a P-38 is the insignia of the 449th Fighter Squadron. This multipiece leather example was made in the CB.I. theater. (JS Industries)

CB.I. theater made leather 436th Bomb Squadron patch. (JS Industries)

Multi-piece leather, CB.I. made 332nd Troop Carrier Squadron (later 11thCombat Cargo) patch. (JS Industries)


C.B.!. theater made 11th Bomb Squadron patch, in leather. (IS Industries) C.B.I. theater made, leather, 1st Combat Cargo Squadron patch.

One of the most appealing squadron insignias ofWorld War II is this 319th TroopCarrier Squadron, glider section patch. It features a mule with wings for ears,carrying a kukri (ghurka knife) in its mouth. The mule is superimposed on thenumber one for First Air Commandos and the letter "G" for gliders. At the top ofthe numeral one is a woman's breast. (Conway)

ARMY AIR FORCE PATCHES

"The Officer's Guide" offered the following color plates of aviationsquadron insignia.

AVIATION SQUADRON INSIGNIA

161

2ND AIR BASE SQUADRON

18TH AIR BASE SQUADRON

1ST BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON

4TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON

'1TH BOMBARDME'NT SQUADRON



2ND BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON




lOTH AIR BASE SQUADRON

lRD BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON















•

••. Ill.••ft.,.~....'~.•..~~ I,I

~.

23RD BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON


33RD BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON



40TH BOMBAR'DMENT SQUADRON


b3RD BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON


95TH .BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON






V44TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON


73RD BOMBARDMENT SQlMDRON


57TH MATERIAL SQUADRON


S8TH MATERIAL SQUADRON

3RD OBSERVATION SQUADRON

IbTH OBSERVATION SQUADRON

82ND OBSERvATION SQUADRON

10lST OBSERVATION SQUADRON

1ST OBSERVATION SQUADRON

12TH OBSERVATION SQUADRON

•22ND OBSERVATION SQUADRON

91ST OBSERVATION SQUADRON

102ND OBSERVATION SQUADRON

2ND OBSERVATION SQUADRON




103RD OBSERVATION SQUADRON


I07TH OBSERVATION SQUADRON

IIITH OBSERVATION SQUADRON



3RD PURSUIT SQUADRON

I08TH OBSERVATION SQUADRON

tl5TH OBSERVATION SQUADRON


152ND 08SERVATION SQUADRON

6TH PURSUIT SQUADRON

-IIOTH OBSERVATION SQUADRON

A•

•VIlbTH OBSERVATION SQUADRON










21ST PURSUIT SQUADRON


3bT'H PURSUIT SQUADRON

39JH PURSUIT SOt!ADRON





41ST PURSUIT SQUADRON


--. - - -- ...._-----


50TH PURSUIT SQUADRON 55"'FH PURSUIT SQUADRON b5TH PURSUIT SQUADRON

bbTH PURSUIT SQUADRON 77TH PURSUIT SQUADRON 78TH PURSUIT SQUADRON

79TH PURSUIT SQUADRON '14TH PURSUIT SQUADRON 1ST RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

4TH RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON 7TH RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON 12TH RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

18TH RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON 21ST REC<i:lNNAISSANCE SQUADRON 38TH RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON


41ST RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON 44TH RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON 50TH RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

88TH RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON 89TH RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON 4bTH 9CHOOL SQUADRON

47TH SCHOOL SQUADRON 52ND SCHOOL SQUADRON 53RD SCHOOL SQUADRON

~..~.~1.A4TH AIR FORCE 4TH BOMBER COMMAND bTH BOMBER COMMAND

AIR CORPS FERRYING COMMAND- S. E. AIR CORPS TRAININ$ CENTE/l. SCHOOL OF AVIATION MEDICINE

ApPENDIXSome notable changes occurred between the 1943 and 1944 editionsof "The Officers Guide" in outer wear. The long overcoat M1926changed to the belted trench coat style and the short overcoatchanged from the M1926 to the beltless, notched lapel version illustrated on page 174. The earlier long overcoat and M1926 short overcoat are illustrated here from "The Officers Guide", 1943 edition.

The field jacket also changed from the M1941 to the M1943. TheM1943 illustrated on page 179 was referred to in the 1944 "OfficersGuide" as" the new field jacket." The M1941 is illustrated here fromthe 1943 edition of "The Officers Guide."

o

o

o

~ " ,: 31:""\'==~~~='J: ::~t .~-- ------ ..~ .. -- - - ". - . -- - "

~--'?-. -.. _.. _- .. -._-~- ~

Plate '1. Field Jacket.

''''~'----,Q,:O --:-,

I II

I

I\~f :~!

II

!,,,:,,,,,

ii

....... 0--•.

Plaia.. Oilloon' 0_'-

THE SERVICE UNIFORMS

Kinds of Service Uniforms. The uniform for wear in the performance of duty is theservice uniform of which there are two kinds, the woolen and the cotton. The woolenuniform is prescribed for wear by the commanding officer when the climate or weatherdoes not require the cotton uniform.

Service Uniform, Arms, and Equipment for Officers. The articles listed below areprescribed for habitual wear by all officers and warrant officers, except as otherwiseprescribed. (Par. 8, AR 600-40.)

169


THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

When dismounted. Belt, officers' or warrant officers'. The belt, cloth, sewed, is theonly prescribed belt for wear with the service coat.

Cap service, except when other headgear is prescribed or authorized.Coat, service, except when shirt without coat is authorized.Decorations, service medals, and badges as prescribed or authorized.Gloves.Necktie.Ribbons, service, optional.Shirt.Shoes, Army russet leather, except when boots are authorized.Socks, plain tan or brown when low shoes are worn.Tags, identification.Trousers, service, except when breeches are authorized.Tags identification.Insignia.

Plate 1. Uniform, Wool, With Coat andCloth Belt, and Drab Trousers.

(IllU8tratlon., Courte8Y, The A••oelated MlIltary a,toree.)

When mounted. Same as above, omitting shoes, Army russet leather, and trousers,service, and adding: breeches, boots, and spurs.

When on flying missions. Same as worn dismounted, omitting the service coat andadding the following as optional articles: cap, garrison (the former "overseas" or fieldcap); face mas~; mumer; flying suit; aviators' gloves, gauntlets, or mittens; moccasins;sweater or jacket; helmet; and goggles.

When acting as aide to high officials. The following articles are worn by all officersexcept those on duty at the White House. The latter officers wear such uniforms asmay be prescribed by the War Department. (Par. 5, AR 600-40.)

Belt, officers' or warrant officers'.Cap, service.Coat, service.

APPENDIX

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

Decorations, service medals, and badges, unlesl otherwise prescribed. Wound andwar chevrons optional.

Gloves, dress, chamois or material of chamois color.Shirt, khaki, and black necktie.Shoes, Army russet leather.Socks, plain tan or brown when low shoel are wona.Tags IdentificatIon.Trousers, service.When attending certain official and social functions. Officers who attend the follow

ing official or social functions will wear the uniform stated above, except that dressgloves, white, will be worn instead of dress gloves, chamois. (1) For the President orex-President of the United States. (2) At the White House. (3) By or for the chiefexecutive of any foreign country, or any member of a reigning royal family, membersof the Cabinet, General of the Armies, the Chief of Staff, a former Chief of Staff, oran army or corps area commander.

When attending other special occasions. On state occasions at home or abroad, thesame as stated above for wear when acting as aide to high officials. At entertainmentswhen it is desired' to do special honor to the occasion the same uniform is wornexcept that white gloves are worn. At social or official functions of a general nature,when prescribed, again the white gloves will be worn.

General and special courts-martial, courts of inquiry, atzd retiring boards. The sameuniform is worn as stated above for habitual wear, dismounted.

information under arms. Same as stated for wear while dismounted or mounted,omitting belt, officers' or warrant officers', and adding belt, pistol or revolver, M1912.

For wear on field duty when dismounted. All officers and warrant officers are required to wear the following articles:

Cap, garrison (the former "overseas" or field cap); except when the service hat orother headgear is prescribed or authorized. .

Coat, service, or jacket, field, except when shirt without coat is authorized.Leggins, canvas, except when boots are authorized.Ribbons, service, optional.Shirt, service.Shoes, high. Army russet leather.Tags, identification.Trousers, service.Web field equipment.Pistol.Insignia.For wear on field duty when mounted. The same articles are worn as stated above

for wear dismounted, omitting the leggins, shoes, and trousers, and adding breeches(service), boots, spurs, and leather gloves when prescribed.

For wear in the field on flying missions. The same articles are worn as stated inparagraph. "When on flying missions," and for wear, dismounted, on field duty, exceptthat web field equipment need not be worn.

Service Uniform, Arms, and Equipment for Aviation Cadets. For habitual wear whennot under arms except as may otherwise be prescribed. (Par. 10, AR600-40):

Cap, garrison, or service.Coat, service, except when shirt without coat is authorized.Decorations, service medals, and badges as prescribed or authorized.Gloves, leather, Army russet or cotton, white, when prescribedRibbons, service, optional.Shirt.Chevrons.Shoes.Tags, identification.Trousers.

171

172 SILVER WINGS/ PINKS & GREENS

THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

When on Bying 1111SSlOns, aviation cadets wear the articles listed above, omimng theservice coat, and gloves. The following articles are optional for wear: face mask,muffler, flying suit, aviator's gloves (gauntlets or mittens), moccasins, sweater or jacket.helmet, goggles.

For habnual wear under arms except as otherwise prescribed the articles worn habitually are prescribed, omItting the leather belt and adding the belt, web, cartridge, and thentie.

Work Uniform for Officers and Enlisted Men. The work uniform may be worn eitherover or wnhout the service uniform. In all cases, insignia of grade and arm or servicewill be worn as prescnbed for the olive-drab shirt. The work uniform is provided forwear on duty in the pertormance of which the clothing worn may become soiled orunSIghtly. It may be worn for drill and combat training and when participating in fieldexerCises and maneuvers.

The articles compnslIlg the work 'uniform are as follows:Cap, herrIngbone twl1l.Gloves, when conditIOns require them.Hat, herringbone twill (other authorized headgear may be worn when climatic or

serVice conditions make it advisable.)Shoes, service.Suit one-piece herringbone twill (or jacket and trousers, herringbone twill). (AR

600-35.)Tags, identification.The cap, herringbone twill, and the suit, herringbone twill, will be worn by personnel

of the Armored Force and by mechanics only of the other arms and services. The hat,herringbone twill, and jacket and trousers, herringbone twill, will be worn by all otherpersonnel.

Uniform for Army Nurses. All Army nurses wear the following articles as the indooruniform: belt, white; cap, white; cape, wool, blue; hose, to match shoes; shoes, white;uniform, white, one piece.

The outdoor uniform is as follows: cap, garrison, blue; cape, wool, blue; coat, wool,serge, dark blue; gloves, suede, gray; overcoat, blue, removable lining; hose, to matchshoes; skirt, wool, blue; waist, cotton, powder blue or white. '

Uniforms for Certain Civilians. Chauffeurs, messengers, and other civilians for whomother uniforms are not authorized, having a status recognized by the War Departmentas part of forces in the theatre of operations, will wear woolen or cotton servke uniforms,as prescribed by the commanding general, without insignia; and a prescribed brassard.

Newspaper correspondents, photographers, and radio news commentors will wearthe officer's uniform without insignia of grade or arm or service. All will wear a prescribed brassard.

Postal employees and other civilians will wear such distinctive clothing or uniformsand brassards as may be prescribed by the War Department.

COMPONENT ARTICLES OF SERVICE UNIFORMS

Belt, Waist. The waist belt is of olive-drab web, 114 inches in width with an adoptedbuckle. It is prescribed for wear when the service shirt is worn without the coat. Itmay be worn at other times. The belt should be cut to the proper length. A beltunnecessarily long, with dangling bight, is unsightly. Shine the Buckle!

Breeches, Service. The winter uniform provides for two colors: olive-drab No. 51(dark shade) and drab No. 54 (light shade). In both cases the cloth is prescribed aswool, elastique, barathea, or whipcord 14Yz-26 ounce. The dark shade breeches arerequired to be worn by officers when in the field. The light shade breeches may beworn by officers at other times and are an article optional with the individual officer.

The summer uniform provides for breeches of four materials: cotton, khaki, 8.2 ounce;',rayon, plain or twill weave; cotton warp, mohair filling, khaki; worsted, tropical;:gabardine. The color is Khaki shade No. 1.

Breeches are worn by officers who are required to be mounted when on mounted duty.

APPENDIX


Personnel of animal-mounted, animal-drawn or pack organizations (except pack unitsof field artillery may wear breeches at all times.

Trousers, Service. The colors, materials, and weights of service trousers are the sameas described above for breeches.

All personnel not specifically authorized to wear breeches will wear trousers. Personnel authorized to wear breeches may wear trousers when not on duty requiring themto be mounted.

Olive-drab (dark shade) trousers will be worn by officers when in the field. Drab(light shade) trousers may be worn by officers at other times, but they arc: an articleoptional with the individual officer.

Coat, Service, Winter. The winter service coat is a prescribed article of the uniform,of wool, elastique, barathea, or whipcord olive-drab No. 51 (dark shade), 14Yz-26ounce.

All coats will be buttoned throughout whenever worn.

173

Winter Service Coat. Summer Service Coat.Plate 2. Officer's Service Coats.

The buttons of the service coat, except for officers of the Corps of Engineers, bear thecoat of arms of the United States. Officers of the Corps of Engineers are authorized towear buttons which have for a device a flying eagle holding in its beak a ribbon scrollbearing the word "Essayons", in the distance a bastion with embrasures surrounded bywater, and on the horizon a rising sun.

Shoulder loop and lapel insignia, decorations, service medals and badges are worn withthe service coat as stated later in this chapter.

Coat) Service, Summer. A summer coat, khaki color or adopted cloth for summer.


THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

Short Overcoat.

Long Field Overcoat.Plate 3. Officers' Overcoats.

APPENDIX


uniforms as stated above under breeches, service, and of the same design as the whitedress coat is authorized for wear with the prescribed summer uniform by officers. Commanding officers will neither require the purchase nor prescribe the wearing of thiscoat by the officers of the command. Authorized materials: Cotton, 8.2 oz.; rayon,plain or twill weave; cotton warp, mohair filling; tropical worsted; gabardine.

The trousers worn with the summer coat will be at the same material as the coat.Overcoats. There are three kinds of overcoats; the long overcoat which may be

worn as long as servicable but is no longer an authorized garment for purchase; theshort overcoat or mackinaw; and the new field overcoat, long, or trench coat.

The prescribed materials for the short overcoat are beaver, doeskin, kersey, or mehons,26-32 ounce in each case. The buttons are of vegetable ivory or horn, conforming incolor to the material of the coat. The prescribed color is olive drab No. 52.

The overcoat, field, long, is manufactured of cotton cloth, wind resistant and· waterrepellent poplin or twill, olive drab shade No.2 and No.7. The garment is a utilitycoat, two ply throughout, with a buttoned-in removable wool lining and detachablehood. It is double breasted, equipped with shoulder loops, and has a detachable beltsame material as the coat.

It may be assumed that either of the three garments will be acceptable for wear byofficers during the period of the war although officers must be guided in this matterby local regulations.

MufHer, Wool, Olive Drab. The muffler, wool, olive drab, is for optional wear whenan overcoat is worn. Commanding officers will neither require the purchase nor prescribe the wearing of a muffler by officers of their commands.

Shirt, Service. The service shirt is of woolen or cotton material. Woolen materialsare plain or twill weave worsted shirting, 10Yz ounce in each case. Cotton materialsare broadcloth, cotton, olive drab or khaki, and poplin, cotton, olive-drab or khaki.The weights of the cotton materials 00 not appear to be prescribed.

Authorized colors of the wool shirt are: Olive drab shade No. 51 (dark shade); drabshade No. 54 (light shade); khaki shade No.1; olive drab shade No. 50. The cottonfabrics are khaki shade No.1.'

It is noteworthy that the regulations now current authorize the wearing of the gray(drab) shirt which· matches the drab trousers.

Either the olive-drab or the khaki shirt may be worn when the service coat is worn.Commanding officers may authorize the wearing of the service olive-drab or khaki shirtwithout the coat. When the shirt is worn, elastic or other arm bands will not be worn.

When the service shirt is worn without the coat, metal or embroidered insignia ofgrade, and collar insignia is worn in a prescribed manner as stated later.

Raincoat. Officers are well advised to exercise unusual care in the purchase of araincoat. The tendency is to select garments which are unequal to the conditions offield service. A satisfactory garment will withstand hard, driving rain, and at thesame time be of sufficiently rugged construction to resist tears, rips, and disintegrationresulting from rough usage.

The specifications for the raincoat: provide for the use of the outer shell of the overcoat, field, long, or at the option of the individual a coat of commercial pattern, withshoulder loops, color, olive-drab No.7. The Quartermaster Sales Stores stock a verysatisfactory raincoat which meets the specification. It is "waterproof" in contrast tothe shell of the field overcoat which is "water repellant." It is probably true thatboth are equally impervious to water when new. But a water repellant garment: ischemically treated and its rain resisting quality deteriorates with the passage of timeand by dry cleaning.

The raincoat is authorized for wear when in a situation involving exposure to rainyor other inclement weather. The wearing of a raincoat on a clear day as a substitute foran overcoat is as grotesque in military as in civilian apparel.

Insignia of grade is worn on the shoulder loops of the raincoat.Oilskin clothing, including hats and rubber boots, may be worn by personnel of mine

batteries, mine planters, and cable ships, and by other personnel for whom it is especiallyauthorized.

175


THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

Garrison Cap.

Service Cap.

Service Cap, Female Medical Officers.

Olive-Drab Cotton Field Cap with Visor.

The Pile l'ielct Cap.Plate f. Beadrear

APPENDIX


Headgear. Commanding officers may prescribe the wearing of such authorized headgear in possession of troops as is appropriate under the existing weather conditions toprotect best the health of the command.

Cap, service. The prescribed material is the same as prescribed for the service coat.h is authorized for wear by all officers and warrant officers when not in formation withtroops.

Officers of the Army Air Forces wear a similar cap except front spring stiffening maybe omitted and the grommet may be removed.

177

Wool-Knit Cap, Ml941.

Service Hat.

steel Helmet. Helmet Liner.Plate 4. Headgear.

Cap, garrison. The prescribed materials, both summer and winter, are as statedabove for the service cap. It is authorized for wear by all personnel. (This is theformer field or "overseas" cap.)

Cap, winter. The material is olive-drab duck. It is authorized for wear in northernclimates.

Cap, winter, lambskin lined. The prescribed material is olive-drab serge. It isauthorized for wear by personnel in Alaska or other cold winter localities.

Cap. Wool, Knit M1941. The cap, wool, knit. M 1941, is for wear by officers, warrantofficers, and enlisted men. It is olive-drab, wool knit, of a standard adopted design withcurtain and visor.

Hat, field, cotton, Khaki. The prescribed material is cotton, khaki, 8-2 ounce. It i$


THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

authorized for wear by all officers and enlisted men except those of mounted unitsand of overseas departments. The brim will be worn turned down all around.

Hat, service. The material is felt, beaver color. Officers are required to wear thehat with a leather chin strap 18 inches in width. It is authorized for wear by personnelof mounted units, by troops in Alaska, in overseas departments, and in localities wherethe cotton uniform is not worn at any time; and by officers when the field hat is wornby enlisted men.

Flight and Warrant Officers'.

Officers'.

Enlisted Men.Plate 5. Cap Ornaments.

Helmet, steel, and liner. This is an article of issue. It is authorized for wear by allpersonnel.

Footgear. The adopted shade of all leather in clothing and articles of equipment,except as noted, is known as "Army russet."

Dress boots, officers. Army russet leather of commercial pattern without lacing.Officers who are required to be mounted, as specifically prescribed in AR 605-130, willwear boots when on mounted duty. Personnel of animal-mounted, animal-drawn, orpack organizations (except pack units of Field Artillery) may wear boots at all times.

Semidress boots, officers. Army russet leather of commercial p2ttern IRced at theinstep for a distance not to exceed 10 inches. They may have an opening not to exceed4 inches at the top, closed with lacing or strap.

Field boots, officers. Army russet leather, legging to pattern, with three buckleson the side or with laces, or entirely laced.

Boots, rubber. Russet, waterproof, commercial pattern.Rubber boots may be worn when conditions warrant when prescribed by command

ing officers of posts, camps, or stations and of mine planters, cable ships, and transports.

APPENDIX


Shoes. Commercial pattern, high or low, Army russet leather. Low shoes may beworn with plain tan (or brown) socks by officers and enlisted men when authorizedby the commanding officer.

179

Field Boot with Laces.. Field Boots with Three Combat Boots.Inches on Side.

Plate 6. Footgear.

Leggins.

Field Jacket. M1943.Plate '1.

Overshoes. When conditions warrant, overshoes may be prescribed by the commanding officer. They are optional when not in formation.

Leggins, Canvas. Of adopted standard and design. Worn with high shoes by all

180 SILVER WINGS/ PINKS & GREENS

THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

officers and enlisted men except those of animal-mounted, animal-drawn, or· packorganizations (except pack units of Field Artillery) when prescribed by the commanding officer.

Gloves. Dress gloves of chamois leather or chamois color material are worn by officerswhen prescribed. They are optional when off ciuty. Dress gloves of white cottonor lisle are worn by officers at official and social functions as prescribed and at formationswhen troops wear white gloves.

Service gloves are of leather or wool. The leather gloves are prescribed of lightrusset leather, lined or unlined, snap fastener, pull-on or buckle type. They are wornby officers and men of mounted organizations when prescribed and optional when offduty. Wool gloves are olive drab. They are worn by officers and men when prescribedand optional when off duty.

Necktie. The necktie for officers, warrant officers, and enlisted men is of a materialwithout stripe or figure, of cotton, mohair, olive-drab, No.3, of adopted four-in-handtype. The necktie will be worn when the service coat is worn and when the olive-drabwool or khaki shirt is worn without the coat, except that neckties will not be worn inthe field or under simulated field conditions. When the ,hirt is worn without thecoat, the necktie will be tucked into the shirt between the first and second visible buttons.

Jacket, Field. The new field jacket, M1943, which has been developed by the Quartermaster Corps represents a material -improvement in this highly essential, all-purposegarment, which has been highly popular for field wear. It is longer than its predecessor,generally of heavier material, provided with shoulder loops and liberal pockets. Aninnovation is the adjustable waistline draw cord which is especially valued for retentionof body heat when worn in low temperatures, and as a means of holding the garmentin place when worn unbuttoned. It' also has throat tabs for neck protection.

The occasions on which the field jacket may be worn are restricted because, it is to bepresumed, it is a field garment and in no sense a dress article of the uniform. It maybe worn within the limits of posts, camps, or stations, and then only when prescribedby the commanding officer of the unit involved. It will not be worn outside the limitsof posts, camps, or stations except when appropriate to the discharge of an assignedmission, and then only when prescribed by the appropriate commanding officer. Inmaneuver areas, however, the uniform will be as prescribed by the appropriate commander and it may be true that the field jacket can be authorized for wear withoutrestriction under those conditions.

Officers' Belt. For wear with the service coat, wool, the prescribed belt is the officers'belt, cloth, matching the coat in color and fabric; 1X Inches in width, equipped witha removable brass or olive drab plastIc 1~-inch tongueless buckle and having a taperedend. The brass buckle is required to be shined!

Pistol. In the field, the pistol (or revolver or carbine) with holster and 21 rounds ofammunition will be worn by officers and warrant officers. It will not be worn by chat>lains. It will be worn by officers of the Medical Department only when necessary forpersonal protection.

During his tour of duty, the officer of the day will wear the pistol as prescribed bythe commanding officer.

Adjutants general and adjutants will wear the pistol when placing officers in arrest.Spurs. Spurs will always be worn, with or without stirrup guard, by mounted per

sonnel when duty requires them to be mounted. The spurs will be worn with pointsdown.

Web Field Equipment. The standardized web field equipment for officers consists ofthe belt, pistol or revolver, M1912, the suspenders, pistol or revolver belt, M1936. andthe bag, canvas, field M1936. These are worn as prescribed in PM 21-5. (Par. 61, AR600-40). (See Table 4.)

Identification Tar. Identification tags will be worn bV each member of the Army atall times. with either uniform or civilian clothing, and may be removed temporarilyonly as the necessities of personal hygiene require; one tag to be suspended from the

APPENDIX 181

U. S. A. Signal Corp. Photo. U. S. A. Signal Corps Photo.

Plate 8. The knee length Plate 9. A rubberizedshorts, convertible sports double texture sult wornshirt and fibre helmet forover the uniform In ex-tropical wear. tremely wet cUmates.

U. S. A. Signal Corps Photo.

Plate 10. The tropicalfield uniform.


Plate 11. A uniform forservice in extremely coldclimates.


Plate 12. The ski troopuniform.


Plate 13. Field uniformfor di.smountecl troops.


u. S. A. Signal Corps Photo

Plate 14. Uniform for mounted troops.

Plate 16. This uniform for snowshoetroops has a reversible parka that canbe changed to suit camouflage requIrements.

u. S. A. Signal Corps Photo

Plate 15. The new "paratroopers" unIform being inspected by an Army nurse.

Plate 17. Armored Force uniform forwinter combat.

0. 8. A. 8_ Corpa .....

Plate 18. In defense of freedom-anywhere In the world. Left &0 right; snowshoe, tropical, winter battle, armored, ski, paratrooper ....summer mounted uniforms.

~~~tT:la~

.....~


THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

neck underneath the clothing by a cord or tape 40 inches in length passed through asmall hole in the tag, the second tag to be fastened about 2Yz inches above the first oneon the same cord or tape, both securely held in place by knots. These tags are prescribed as a part of the uniform and will be habitually worn by the owner. The tags,embossed as provided in AR 600-35, will be issued to each member of the Army assoon as practicable after entry into service.

Be certain that this tag contains the data concerning inoculations against disease,and blood type, which are required to be indicated thereon.

THE DRESS UNIFORMS

The authority to wear blue dress uniforms 1ll their

The dress uniforms of the Army are the following:Blu~ m~ss uniform.W hit~ dress uniform.W hit~ m~ss uniform.

Kinds of Dress Uniforms.Th~ full dr~ss uniform.Th~ blu~ dr~ss uniform.Th~ full dr~ss or blu~ dr~ss, mount~d.

Sp~cial ~tlening dr~ss uniform.

Wearing of Dress Uniforms.

TABLE 3. DRESS UNIFORMS AND ACCESSORIES

AR'l'IUI,EI; WHWH UONl;'l'f'l'UTE THE SEVERAl,DRESI; UNIFORMf-;.

(Items marked * are for wear only by otJIc.ers whose.e.rvicp or assignment entItle th"1f) to the privilege.)

'"or>

~AbO

=I.~ or> '-

~ ! ~ ! ~.~

~ i.lli ~I~--1-'--1-

AI/!,ulJ1ett. * x x I x x x I x

Rarl/!'e~ * ----- ---------------------------------------------- x x 1 ~----- x 1------

~~L ~g~~:~~~~;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --;-- ~~~l~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~l'oat. rlrp.~. hlue x x _Coat. SI,pclal evenlngo dress x _Coat. dre~s, white _:_______________________________________ xCollar, white, tnrnrlown semIsoft or stIff x x xCollar, full rtress (wIngo) .______________________________ x _Collar, full rtress (wingo) or harri, turn-rtown x xDecorations, .1ar/!'e anrt servIPe mertals, large * x xDecorations, mIniature, and sen'lce medals, miniature * :_____ x x xFourra!(ere * x x x x x x

Gloves, dress, white -------------------------------------- x 1______ x x x x

?J~;;I'rica~~~~s: ~h:rm~;a;t~e~i--o~~;e;~i-Elt-;ir-~--:::::::: --x-- ~ ---.;-- --X--- --x--'--x--In~hmla ____________________________________________________:J" X X X X xJal'ket, mess, blue x _Jal'ket, mess, whIte __ xKnots, shoulder x x 'ItNel'ktle, dress, black x x xNecktie, evenIng riress, hlack x x x

Overcoat, ollve-rirab, optIonal ---------------------------1 x x x I x ---- xSaher, If prescrIbed x x x _Rlhhons, servIce' 1______ x ----- ---- x ----ShIrt, white x x ,______ x _

Shirt, full dress, plain gold studs and culT buttons ---- ------ ----- x I x x

~~~:::. ~~I~~:::~:=:=::=::==:::=:=:::::::::::::::::::==::=,--~ : :__I__~__ --x-- __~__

if;:~~, ~~~~I<ie:;.=======================================:::::=I-~-- -~-- ::~=: ==~:= ~~~~~ :~=:TrollRers, clrP.R8, blue 1· x: x ------ ----- ----- -----Trousers, special evening dress x _

~~~::~:: ~:::': ~~~:i-=======================::::=========='=::== ::==:: ==:== ::~=: ~~~~~ ::i::Vest, svecla! evenIng dress __-- 1 ----- x 1----- ------ ------Vest. blue mes's x _Vest, whIte mess ._ ]I:

APPENDIX


several types was withdrawn by the War Department on April 1, 1943, for the duration of the present war and six months thereafter. (Circulars No. 90 and 101, 1943.)

Authority to wear the white dress uniform as well as the summer coat for officerscontinues to be authorized as an ortion.

185

Plate 19. White Dress Uniform. Plate 20. White Mess Uniform.(IIlUlJtnltlotl&. Courtesy. Th.. A.f'RO<'I8teotl MillUtr'l "'lAJr...... ,

INSIGNIA

Definition. The term insignia includes all the metallic or embroidered articles whichare worn on the uniform that serve to identify the wearer as a member of the Army ofthe United States-his grade and arm or service, his organization in some instances, andother incidents of his service such as wound and war service chevrons.

Except as otherwise prescribed, insignia for wear upon umtorm clothIng will be madeof gold or gold color material. Insignia of grade for shoulder loops may be embroidered.Metal insignia of grade may be knurled or smooth.

Officers who find the use of metalic insignia objectionable, especially under fieldconditions, should make use of embroideren cloth insignia which may be sewedpermanently on all garments.

Headgear Insignia and Ornamentation. Helmet. Insignia of grade will be worn byofficers on the front of the steel helmet, and/or helmet liner, centered on the front ofthe helmet or liner, with center of the insignia 2Yz inches from the lower edge of thehelmet or liner. Insignia will be painted on the helmet or liner, and of standard size.Bars will be worn perpendicular to the bottom edge of the helmet or liner. Leaveswill be worn with stem down. The eagle will be worn, beak to the wearer's right.The star will be worn point upward. The stares) will be centered on the front of thehelmet or liner. The line of centers will be parallel to the base of the helmet or liner,and spaced Ys inch apart.

Cap, garrison. General officers: cord edge braid of gold bullion, rayon, or metal1lzedcellophone of gold color. Other officers: cord edge braid of gold bullion, rayon, ormetallized cellophane of gold color and. black silk intermixed. Warrant officers: cord edgebraid of silver bullion, rayon, or metallized cellophane and black silk intermixed.


THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

Metallized cellophane should not be used on caps which will be washed. (CircularNo. 82, War Department, March 21, 1942.)

Insignia of grade will be worn by officers on the garrison cap, on the left side, centeredon the curtalll, with center of the insignia 1Y2 inches from the front. The bars oflieutenants and captains will be worn perpendicular to the bottom edge of the cap.The leaves of majors and. lieutenant colonels will be worn with stem down. The eagleof colonels will be w(:rn beak to the front. The star of a brigadier general will beworn point upward. Additional stars will extend to the rear of the first star and beplaced Ys inch apart. Miniature insignia of grade is authorized for general officers,and when worn, additional stars will be placed at a relatively smaller interval.

DISTINCTIVE INSIGNIA

INSIGNIA OF GRADE

AIR.. CORPS INSIGNIA

<D Service Cap.® Garrison Cap.

® Service Cap.@Garrison Cap. AViation Cadets.

Plate 21. Insignia on Headgear.

Cap, service. The coat of arms of the United States. Warrant officers wear thewarrant officers' lllslgllla.

Hat, sen/tee. The hat cord is worn. General officers wear a double cord of goldbullion, rayon, and metallized cellophane with acorns and keeper. Other officers wearthe same type cord of gold color and black intermixed. Warrant officers w~ar the samecord with silver and black intermixed.

It is standard practice to adjust the length of the hat cord so that the acorns come tothe edge of the brim, or slightly beyond the brim. It is unsightly to tie knots at thekeeper to adjust the length; the acorns should be slid back and the cord cut off at theends to obtain the desired length. The hat cord should be -sewed in place.

Insignia on Collar or Lapel of Service Coat. The insignia worn on the collar orlapel of the service coat is of metal, consisting, on each lapel, of the letters"U. S." andinsignia indicating the arm, service, bureau, etc., to which the individual is assigned.

Officers and flight officers wear the letters "U. S." on the collar (lapel) horizontally,lower edge one-half inch above the horizontal line of lapel, the center of the "U. S."at the center of the collar. The insignia of arm or service is worn horizontally on thelapel, upper edge one-half inch below the horizontal line of lapel and centered belowthe "U. S." (note the precise arrangement in Plate 22.)

W.arrant officers wear the insignia of warrant officers in lieu of the insignia of arm orserVlce.

Aviation cadets wear the letters "U. S." and the Air Corps insignia as worn by com·missioned officers and flight officers.

Insignia on Shirt. When the olive-drab or khaki shin is worn without the lervictcoat, insignia will be worn as follows:

On the collar (see Plate 22.)

APPENDIX


All offic"S, except general offic"s. On the right side, 1 inch from the end, theinsignia of grade; on the left side, 1 inch from the end, metal insignia indicating arm,service, bureau, etc. Bars will be worn parallel with front edge of collar. Leaves willbe worn with stem down. The eagle will be worn beak to the front.

Gen"al officers ot the line. On both sides, 1 inch from the end, the insignia ofgrade.

Other gen"al offic"s. On the right side, 1 inch from the end, the insignia ofgrade; on the left side, 1 inch from the end, metal insignia indicating arm, service,bureau, etc.

Additional stars. Additional stars will extend to the rear of the first star and beplaced Ye inch apart.

Miniatures. General officers are authorized to wear miniature insignia of grade.Additional miniature stars will be placed at a relatively smaller interval than indicatedabove.

187

Plate 22. insignia on Coat Lapel and Shirt Collar.

Warrant officers. On the right side, 1 inch from the end, the insignia of grade, onthe left side, 1 inel}. from the end, insignia of arm, service or bureau. If not on dutywith arm or service, the coat of arms of the United States 9/16 inch in height withina ring % inch in diameter. Bars will be worn parallel with the front edge of the collar.

Officers in the AUS. Officers from civil life appointed in the components of theMedical Department or as Chaplains will wear the insignia prescribed for those services.All other officers will wear the insignia of the Specialist Reserve during the initial 90day active duty. Upon satisfactory completion of training, the insignia of the arm ofservice to which assigned will be worn; if unassigned the Specialist reserve insignia willbe worn.

Colors and Insignia of the Several Arms and Services. Each arm and service has adistinctive insignia and a distinctive color. The insignia is worn on the uniform asheretofore described. The hat cords worn by enlisted men are in the color prescribedfor their branch. Distinctive branch color is used on the shoulder straps of the bluedress uniform and on other gold braid decorations. It is also used in the blue drelluniforms as cape linings and other purposes. The colors and insignia of the severalarms and services are as follows:

Branc" Color

G~n~ral Staff Corpl Gold and blackAdjutant G~n~ral', Dept.Inspector General', Dept. Dark blur' and white

Judg~ Advocate General', Dark blue and light blurDepartm~nt

Quarterma'ter Corpl BuB

Insignia

Coat of arm. on altarDark blu~ 5hiddCrossed swords and fasce! with

wreathCrossed Iword and pen wreathed

Eagl~ IUrmountinll wheel withcrossed Iword and key


THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

ColorBranch Insignia---------------------------MeLlH:al VepanmCJltt.ngmeer CorpsOrunance DepanmCJltFmance DeparunentAir CorpsArmored CommandSignal Corps

Chemical Warfare ServiceChaplams

CavalryField ArtilleryInfantryCoast Artillery

Militia BureauTank Destroyer ForcesTransportation Corps

Maroun anLl whiteScarlet and whiteCrimson and yellowGrey and yellowUltra-marine and orangeGreen and whiteOrange and white

Hlue and yellowIllack

YellowScarletLight blueScarlet

Dark blueGolden Orange and BlackBrick red and yellow

CaduceusCastleShell and BameDiamondWings and· propellorTankCrossed signal flags with f1amina

torchBenzol ring and crossed retortsLatin cross or double tablets and

interlaced trianglesCrossed sabersCrossed cannonCrossed riflesCrossed cannon with red onl

projectileCrossed fasces and eagle75-mm gun, motor carriage M3Wmg-ed whe,.1

Shoulder Loop Insignia. On each shoulder loop of the service. coat, the long overcoat, the short overcoat, the raincoat, the field jacket, and on each shoulder of work clothing and of aviators' outside suits or coats, metal or embroidered insignia of grade will Ixworn as follows: Second lieutenants and first lieutenants, flight officers and warrantofficers wear the bar in the middle of the loop parallel to and 18 inch from the sleeveend of loop. Captains place the bars in ao similar manner with the lower bar parallelto and Ys inch fwm sleeve end of loop. Majors and lieutenant colonels place theleaves, point up, in middle of loop, stem of leaf Ys inch from sleeve end of loop. Theeagle worn by a colonel is placed in the middle of the loop, head up, beak to the front,talons Ys inch from the sleeve end of loop. Brigadier generals place the star, point up,

O/~rl1'/Cr'Vl! I~/G/I/IA

GRAO~ IN.!J/G/IIIA

Plate 23. Insignia on Shoulder Loop, omcers' Coat.

in the center of loop. Major generals place the center of the two stars, points up,2~ inchs apart, the stars equidistant from the sleeve end of the loop and the outeledge of the button. Lieutenant generals place the three stars, points up, equidistanteach from the other. Generals place the four star~, points up, equidistant one fromthe other.

When an officer wears the work uniform, insignia is worn as prescribed for theolive-drab shirt.

Commanding generals of independent forces outside the continental limits of UnitedStates operating directly under the War Department are authorized to prescribe themethod of wearing insignia. This provision enables certain overseas commanders to

APPENDIX


prescribe that insignia of grade may be entirely removed, or to be worn elsewhere thanas stated above, when he considers such action to be desirable.

Shoulder Loop Insignia for Warrant Officers. Warrant officers other than of the ArmyMine Planter Service.

Chief warrant officer. One gold bar Ys inch width and I inch in length, withrounded ends, having a brown enameled top and a longitudinal center of gold lis inchin width.

Warrant officer (junior grade). One gold bar % inch in width and 1 inch in length,with rounded ends, having a brown enameled top and a latitundinal center of goldYs inch in width.

Warrant officers wear insignia as prescribed for Lieutenants.Shoulder Loop Insignia for Flight Officers. Flight officers of the Army Air Forces

wear insignia as prescribed for Lieutenants. It consists of one gold bar Ys inch inwidth and one inch in length with rounded ends, having a blue enameled top and alatitudinal center of gold Ys inch in width.

Sleeve Insignia. Insignia of grade consisting of knots of prescribed and decorativedesign of white cord or of gold or gilt wire tracing braid are sewed on the sleeves ofthe white mess jacket, blue mess jacket, and special evening dress coat, on the basisof five rows for a colonel, four for a lieutenant colonel, three for a major, two for acaptain, and one for 'a first lieutenant. Arm or bureau insignia, embroidered or of metal,is worn in the center of the space formed by the lower curves of the knot and the upperedge of the sleeve band.

On the overcoat of general officers two bands of black mohair braid are worn on bothsleeves. The I Y4-inch band is placed with its lower edge 2Yz inches above and parallelto the end of the sleeve; the Yz-inch band is placed with its lower edge I Yz inches abovethe upper edge of and parallel to the other band.

Wound and War Service Chevrons. Wound and war service chevrons are worn onlyby those officers, Army nurses, warrant officers and enlisted men who have been authorized to do so as stated in AR 600-95.

Wound and war service chevrons are worn on the service coat only, wound chevronson the right sleeve and war service chevrons on the left sleeve. They are worn pointsdown in the center of the outside half of the sleeve, the point of the lowest chevron to beone inch above the cuff braid of the officers' coat. When more than one chevron isworn, the space between chevrons shall be five-eighths inch.

Wound and war service chevrons will not be authorized to be worn by Army per,sonnel for service during the current war, but those officers, Army nurses, warrantofficers and enlisted men entitled to wear such chevrons for service in the first WorldWar may continue to do so. Authority to wear such chevrons is contained in ArmyRegulations No. 600-40.

lbe instructions are very specific, however, in stating that neither wound nor warservice chevrons will be authorized to be worn for service during the present war.The Purple Heart has been authorized for wounds received in action, and in lieu ofthe war service chevrons that were authorized to be worn on the left sleeve for overseasservice in the first W orId War, service rendered overseas in the current war isshown by the appropriate theater service ribbons that have been authorized by PresidentRoosevelt in Executive Order No. 9265, November 6, 194Z. The Executive Orderestablishes three theaters for which a medal and ribbon will be awarded for each area.the three theaters include the American Theater, European-African-Middle EasternTheater. and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

Aviation Cadet Sleeve Insignia. Aviation cadets wear their authorized insignia centered on the outside of the right sleeve of the coat and overcoat with the lowest pointfour inches above the lower edge.

Insignia, Officer Candidate SchooL The prescribed insignia for wear by officer candidates, is as follows: On a dark-blue, cloth background Zy.f inches in diameter. the letters"CS" in monogram form, within the letter "0" in olive-drab, all elements 5/32 inchin width.

189


THE OFFICER'S GUIDE

Insignia, Shoulder ~leeve. Shoulder sleeve insignia are authorized for wear by indioviduals assigned to units such as divisions, territonal departments, and others specificallyauthorized. It will be worn on the upper pan of the outer half of the lett sleeves ofthe service coat, overcoat, field jacket, and the shirt when worn as an outer garment,the top of the insignia to be one-half inch below top of the shoulder-seam. Shouldersleeve insignia worn by divisions and larger units of World War No. 1 are shown incolors at the beginning of this volume; their use by divisions of the current war hasbeen revived, and new ones have been authorized in many instances.

Distinctive Insignia and Trimmings. Subject to the approval of the War Departmentin each case, organizations classified in general as regiments, separate battalions, orseparate companies are authorized to adopt distinctive insignia or trimmings for wearby members thereof as a part of the uniform as a means of promoting esprit de corps.Distinctive insignia should bear the organization badge or coat of arms, or similardevice, having historical significapce connected with the organization, such as the ornament of the organization when originally organized, or that worn in some prior war.If trimmings are adopted, the color should have some historical significance connectedwith the organization. Colored trimmings will not be worn with the cotton serviceuniform.

Distinctive insignia and trimmings will not be adopted where conditions precludetheir issue to enlisted men from purchas{"s nlade by unit or post exchange funds.

Unless otherwise specifically authorized by the War Department, distinctive insigniawill be worn by officers as tollows: on the service coat centered on the shoulder loops.On the service hat midway between band and eyelet. Distinctive insignia is not wornby officers on the service shirt or garrison caps.

DECORATIONS, SERVICE MEDALS, AND BADGESAwards of Decorations. Awards of decorations are made by the War D~partment

acting for the President, except that the commanding general of a separate army or ofa higher unit in the field in time of war may award all decorations other than theMedal of Honor and the Distinguished-Service Medal, under conditions prescribed.A decoration is an award granted by the Government or by the War Department actingfor the President in recognition of an outstanding act of heroism or an especially noteworthy service performed by an individual.

This subject is contained in Sec. V, Decorations, Service Medals, etc., AR 600-40, andin AR 600-45, Decorations. For purposes of historical reference, readers who are interested in citations 1862-1926 are advised to consult War Department Document No.18a, Office of The Adjutant General.

FOR HEROISM

Medal of Honor.2 This, the highest and most rarely awarded decoration conferred

• The Medal of Honor, senior decoration of the- United states, was authorized by the Congressand approved July 12, 1862. By 1926 a total of 1820 had been awarded. Of this number, 1723were awarded prior to the World War, 6 to the Unknown Soldiers of the United States, France,Great Braaln, Italy, B€'lglum, and Rumania, and one to Colonel Charles A. Linduergh. lheofficer. of the Regular Army, now Uving, active and retired. who held this honor prior to. December 7, 1941. are as follows:

Major General Andre W. Brewster, Retired.Major General Charl€'s E. K1lbourne, Retired.Brigadier General Charles D. Roberts. Retired.Brigadier General George C. Shaw, Retired.Coionel Joseph S. Cec1l, Infantry, RetlrE'd.Colonel Ira C. Welborn, Infantry, Retired.Oolonel George E. Stewart, Infantry, Retired.Colonel Louis J. Van Schalck, Infantry. Retired.Colonel Allen J. Gre€'r, Field Artillery, Retired.Colonel Arthur H. Wilson. Cavalry.Colonel John T. Kennedy, Field Artlllery.Colonel Seth L. Weld. Infantry. Retired.Colonel Geor!':e P. Hays. Field ArtlUery.Lt. Colonel Calvin P. Titus" Infantry, R€'tlred.Major Edward C. Allworth.Major Oscar Burkard, MAC, Retired.Major General Charles E. Kilbourne and Mr. W11llam J. Donovan, at date of publlcatlon of

this volume, are the only men living who hOld the Medal of Honor, the Dlsting¢shed-ServlceCross, and the Distinguished-Service Medal. General Kilbourne, in 1942, was Superintendent ofThe V1rlrlnla M1l1tary Institute, bls alma mater.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Bombardier School," Life Magazine, Vo1.12, No.20, May 18,1942

Britton, Jack, Washington, George, Jr., Military Shoulder Patchesof the Unites States Armed Forces, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1985.

Campbell, J. Duncan, Aviation Badges and Insignia ofthe UnitedStates Army, 1913-1946, The Triangle Press, 1977.

"Cimarron Chief," Oklahoma Air College, December 1941.

DuBois, Arthur E., "Insignia of the United States ArmedForces," National Geographic, Vol.LXXXIII, No.6, June 1943.

DuBois, Arthur E., "The Traditions and Glamour of Insignia,"National Geographic, Vol.LXXXIII, No.6, June 1943.

Form One, Vol.III, No.7, December 1942

Godfrey, John T., The Look ofEagles, Random House, Inc., NewYork, 1958.

Huff, RussellJ., Wings ofWorld War II, RJ. Huff & Assoc, Inc.,Sarasota, Florida, 1985.

McGregor, Malcolm, and Mollo, Andrew, Naval, Marine andAir Force Uniforms ofWorld War 2, MacMillan Publishing Co.,Inc., New York.

Mann, Carl, Air Heraldry, Robert M. McBride & Company,New York, 1944.

Massaro, Joseph M., Distinctive Insignia of the U.S. Army AirForces, 1924-1947, International Publishing Co., Austin, Texas,1987.

Maurer, Maurer, ed., Air Force Combat Units of World War II,Office of Air Force History, Washington, D.C., Reprint 1961.

Maurer, Maurer, ed., Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, WorldWar II, Albert F. Simpson Historical Research Center and Office of Air Force History, Washington, D.C., 1982.

Minnich, Mike., "Wings of Valor," Wings & Things ofthe World,Nos,23-24, Spring/Summer 1993, Reprinted from Airpower,May, 1989.

Mollo, Andrew, The Armed Forces of World War II, Uniforms,Insignia, and Organization, Crown Publishers, Inc., New York,1981.

The Official Guide to the Army Air Forces, AAF, A Directory, Almanac and Chronicle ofAchievement, Simon and Schuster, NewYork, 1944.

Rosignoli, Guido, Badges and Insignia ofWorld War II, Air Force,Naval, Marine, Peerage Books, London, 1980.

Smith, Richard w., Pelz, Roy A., ed., Shoulder Sleeve Insigniaof the U.S. Armed Forces, 1941-1945, 1981.

Sweeting, c.G., U.S. Combat Flying Clothing, Army Air ForcesClothing During World War II, Arms and Armour Press, London, 1984.

Widdows, Richard, ed., The American Soldier, U.S. Armies inUniform, 1755 to the Present, Military Press/Random House,New York, 1990.

Woolnough, John H., Lt.Col., The Eighth Air Force Year Book,The Current Status of 8th AF Unit Associations, 1980, The 8thAF News, Hollywood, Florida., 1981.

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