United States Army Air Forces shoulder sleeve insignia

Summary

• On an ultramarine disk (2 5/8 inches diameter) is imposed in the lower segment a white star , 1 1/8 inch point to point, with a red disk superimposed and covering the entire center of the star. Surmounting the star are two gold stylized wings extending upward and outward at 45 degrees.

Symbolism

• The ultramarine disk represents the sky and air, the medium in which the Air Force operates.
• The white star with red disk has been the identifying symbol of the U.S. Army airplane since its inception.
• The golden wings surmounting the star are an indication of victorious operations.

Background

The insignia was authorized for wear by AAF Regulation 35-11 dated March 21, 1942.

The use of the insignia was discontinued after the Air Force was established as a separate Service under the National Security Act of 1947.

Licensing

This image shows a flag, a coat of arms, a seal or some other official insignia produced by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry. It is in the public domain but its use is restricted by Title 18, United States Code, Section 704 [1] and the Code of Federal Regulations (32 CFR, Part 507) [2], [3]. Permission to use these images in the USA for most commercial purposes must be obtained from The Institute of Heraldry prior to their use. Deutsch ∙ English ∙ فارسی ∙ 日本語 ∙ русский ∙ +/−