TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

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

more
Grid List
Gallion, Franklin "Frank" D.* September 19th, 1914
† November 3rd, 1943

Galloway, Thomas Taylor "Tom"* September 5th, 1919
† July 24th, 1944

Gamble, Jack Kenneth* July 27th, 1922
† March 12th, 2011

Gaughan, Robert Henery* May 1st, 1919
† May 27th, 2002
Plot: COL 6 Z Row: 5 Grave: 1

more
Geller, Herbert Seemore* 1923
† March 19th, 1945

George, Harold Huston "Pursuit"* September 14th, 1892
† April 29th, 1942
Plot: 9 Grave: 5952

more
Gholson, Grover D.* May 2nd, 1915
† December 7th, 1994

Gidley, Jess E.† January 23rd, 1944

Gignac, Edward Joseph† June 7th, 1944
Plot: A Row: 33 Grave: 28

more
Gillen, William S.† July 28th, 1943

Gilman, Benjamin Arthur "Ben"* December 6th, 1922
† December 17th, 2016
Plot: XXXIV Row: AA Grave: 29

González, César Luis* June 10th, 1919
† November 22nd, 1943

Gorman, John C.* October 8th, 1920
† April 24th, 1943
Plot: H Grave: 40

Gower, Lorenzo R.† May 12th, 1943

Gramling, Richard* May 30th, 1921
† July 5th, 2004
Plot: 6-OO Row: 30 Grave: 2

Green, William E.† February 4th, 1944

more
Gundy, Samuel Charles* March 28th, 1918
† April 23rd, 2010