Time wise, this particular badge was made in the 1920s so it actually pre-dates the "Military Aviator" wing badge currently posted at the top of the page.ĭebossed N.S. He served overseas during WW1 and was rated a "Military Aviator" prior to January 25, 1919. This badge is still sewn to a uniform worn by a Major in the Army Air Corps during the mid-1920s. Warĭepartment Circular 21, dated 20 February 1940, changed the designationġ937 Military Airplane Pilot (12 years plus 2000 hours) worn by Colonel Charles W. Special note: The Military Airplane Pilot rating did not last long. With only 63 men qualified to wear one in 1938 it was not cost effectiveįor Dieges & Clust to make a die since they probably would not sell many. and I must add that it is very good casting. It may not be immediately noticeable but this badge isĬast. Rating of pilot for at least 12 years and had flown more than 2000 hours" To quote Duncan Campbell from his book, "On 23 December 1937, the Warĭepartment awarded this rating to 63 veteran aviators, who had held the Pilot badge made in 1938 by Dieges & Clust. This is not a WWII Senior Pilot badge, it is a 1937 Military Airplane The MA rating was not awarded after Januand in order to be qualifed to wear one a pilot had to have 3-years flight experience or be awarded the rating through an Act of Congress for wartime achievement. While similar in style, it is a "Military Aviator" badge made between 1926-1937 and worn by a post-WW1 career officer. Eager to learn how to fly and get commissions, several businessmen and young men connected with prominent New York families began contributing funds for its development however, progress was cut short when, in February 1915, the Secretary of War would not grant a request for a brigadier general to act as its chief since no reserve organization had yet been authorized for the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps.Click on the images to see a larger version and the back of the wing/badgeĭo not confuse this with a "Military Airplane Pilot" wing badge approved in 1937 (see wing below). The first such unit formed was the First Aviation Corps in New York. In 1913-1914 the Aero Club of America held talks about fathering a national movement to interest state militia authorities into forming Federal Reserve units for the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps for the purpose of training men in aeronautics. If you have any evidence that might substantiate why this badge was offered in silver please let me know as I'd love to see it.īell & Birkner, 503-5 Ave, NY, STERLING #35 Blackinton did list the badge in their catalog as being available in gold or silver. To date no explanation has been found that would explain why this badge was struck in silver since only gold badges are known to have been officially authorized by the War Department for wear on a uniform however, in 1918 V. This badge may have been made in the Philippines prior to 1917.ġ913 style Military Aviator badge in silver made by V. The 1913 type Military Aviator badge from LT/Gen Lewis Hyde Brereton. The reason is the Willis badge was struck using a second die that had to be made by the Rock Island Arsenal after the first one was damaged Note that some details such as the eagles beak on the Willis badge are slightly different from those found on gold-proof badge #1 presented to Captain Charles DeForest Chandler on 6 October 1913. ![]() This badge was struck in 14kt gold, and then coated with 24kt gold. Only 23 officers were award a 1913 Military Aviator badge made by the Rock Island Arsenal. ![]() Military Aviator Qualification Date: 26 December 1913. Original 1913 Military Aviator badge manufactured by the Ordnance Department, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. After being approved by General Scriven, he presented the badge to Captain Chandler on 6 October 1913." - Cliff Presley Scriven, Chief Signal Officer, Washington, DC, for official approval. Once completed it was forwarded to Brigadier General George P. It was struck in 14kt gold, and then coated with 24kt gold before receiving additional hand embellishments by a skilled engraver. The die for this badge was manufactured by the Ordnance Department, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. Military Aviator Qualification Date: 5 July 1912. ![]() "Original 1913 Military Aviator gold-proof badge #1 given to Captain Charles DeForest Chandler, Chief of the Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps, from 1 August 1907 to 30 June 1910, and 20 June 1911 to 9 September 1913. Military Aviator badge Number 1 - This is it, the very first U.S. Click on the images to see a larger version and the back of the wing/badge
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