Vintage World War Two Army Air Force Winged Star Insignia - AAF Uniform Shoulder Patch

Approved in March 1942, its blue and orange colors are that of the Army Air Force and the central symbol was that used as an aircraft marking early in the war. Initially worn by all Army Air Force personnel of the United States, in March 1943, distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia were authorized for each overseas air force. However, almost all Air Force personnel not assigned to an individually numbered Air Force, wore this patch. Because of the number of personnel assigned to ground units, this machine embroidered patch was perhaps the single most widely worn patch of the war.

The design, approved in February 1942, was created by James T. Rawls, an artist who was on the staff of the Commander of the AAF in World War Two, General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold. Rawls' design was reportedly inspired by a picture of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill giving his well-known "V for Victory" sign. It is sometimes known as the "Hap Arnold" emblem.

The insignia was officially described as follows: On an ultramarine disk (2-5/8" dia.) is imposed in the lower segment a White Star (1-1/8" point to point) with a red disk superimposed and covering the entire center of the Star. Surmounting the Star are two stylized wings extending upward and outward at a 45 degree-angle.

However, because of the number of personnel assigned to various ground units, there were also more variations in the look of this machine-embroidered insignia than of any other insignia of the Second World War. Although often difficult to see, unless displayed next to each other, these variations are interesting.

We are offering four of these shoulder insignia for sale separately. None are completely identical. There are variations in the wings (some with full wings; some less full wings); the size of the red disk in the star; and in the stitching on the back. All five are round (2-½" in diameter).

CONDITION: Two have light soiling and wear from actual use; two are in excellent condition, and whether or not they were actually used has not been determined. However, none glow when examined under ultraviolet light, and all appear to be made of vintage all-natural fiber material, most likely of World War II vintage. All significant flaws are visible in photos.

Item ID: 45-0429F