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Pilot Wing

Per War Department Circular 21, dated 20 February 1940, the Army Air Forces (USAAF) introduced a series of pilot badges, which remain in use to this day. The Pilot Badge was awarded at three levels: Pilot, Senior Pilot, and Command Pilot.

Between August 1941 and November 1942, the Enlisted Aviator program was revived. Candidates had to be at least 18, hold a high school diploma, and rank among the top of their class. Graduates became Flight Staff Sergeants or Flight Technical Sergeants, wearing the same pilot wings as officers, typically flying transport and auxiliary aircraft to free officer pilots for bombers and fighters. Auxiliary pilots had distinctive wings indicating their specialty. In November 1942, all enlisted pilots were promoted to Flight Officer, while cadets were ranked as Flight Officers or Second Lieutenants, based on merit.

To earn their wings, pilots needed to successfully completing flight training (primary, basic and advanced), earning an aeronautical Rating.

Description
The Pilot Wing featured a silver wings design, symbolizing flight and aeronautical expertise. At the center, an embossed shield represented the Army Air Forces, distinguishing it from other aviation badges. The wings extended outward, emphasizing the speed and agility of military pilots.

This design was introduced in 1919 and was hardly changed during the Second World War. There are many variations though.

Abbott, Earl Leroy "Abby"* January 8th, 1919
† January 24th, 1945

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Grid List
NameDate of birthDate of deathAwards
Baisch, Joseph M. "Joe"  
Bates, Charles W.  
Bissonnette, Alfred  more
Bland, Jessie M.  
Brooks, Ivan F.  
Byron, Richard C.  more
Berry, Jack W. 04-08-1942
Blaine, Robert W.11-03-191608-03-1943
Bratton, Philmore27-01-192312-07-1943
Brubaker, David Preson10-07-191717-07-1943
Biddick, Curtis Rundle20-04-191517-08-1943
Blain, John D.13-03-192202-09-1943
Burley, Frederic T. 11-10-1943
Bissonnette, Herman J. 28-12-1943
Boyle, Edmund Francis07-07-191923-04-1944
Bracken, George M. "Red"00-00-192227-04-1944
Bahling, Donald Merrel20-12-192210-05-1944
Bradley, Hartsel Durwood21-11-192008-06-1944
Boker, Victor 18-10-1944
Bovey, Bruce Delmar06-07-192319-01-1945
Boyhan, Albert F.17-01-191908-02-1945
Becker, Ralph M.10-08-192224-03-1945
Burrows, Edward N.F. 29-05-1945
Boyts, Lawrence G. 18-06-1945
Bong, Richard Ira24-09-192006-08-1945more
Biel, H. Thomas28-07-191606-11-1945
Butler, Robert Andrew17-06-191615-11-1957more
Barto, Vernon N.30-09-192205-07-1971
Brown, DePeyster Douw00-12-191503-08-1991
Bezusko, John Walter02-10-192028-03-2000
Brasseur, Jules J. "The Baron"31-01-191900-00-2004
Blakeslee, Donald James Matthew "Don"11-09-191703-09-2008more
Brewer, Ronald S.01-12-192119-02-2009
Bond, Charles Rankin, Jr.22-04-191518-08-2009more
Brogan, Donald01-04-192523-07-2016
Brandecker, Edward William Jr.11-07-192102-01-2020