Aerial Gunner Wings

[Noor]

Hi all,

Here is my only US "Wings" from WW2 period.

Can you guys confirm when they was established? Is it correct 29th April 1943 and staid in use until 26th July 1949?

Also is there any aprox figure out there how many of those was produced by government?

Also what was exact entitlmenets to earn this badge. As far I know:

1. Gunnery School qualification in Arizona or Florida

2. 150 hours flights

3. 10 combat flights where they experiensed enemy fire

Is it correct?

Any other interesting details about this?

Regards,

Timo

[Doc]

Here is what I have on those wings.

"Aerial Gunner (Established 29 April 1943. Discontinued 26 July 1949) - Upon authorization by his Commanding Officer, a regularly assigned aerial gunner member of an aircrew, who had demonstrated his proficiency as such, could wear the badge during such time that he was assigned to such duties. Graduates of an AAF flexible gunnery school, or of an AAF instructor's school (flexible gunnery) could wear the badge during such time as they were assigned as a regular gunner member of an aircrew, or were awaiting assignment to such duties, or were performing duties as an instructor in flexible gunnery.

Individuals authorized to wear the Aerial Gunner or Aircrew Member badges could continue to wear such badges, when no longer so assigned, if they met one of the following three requirements:

150 hours flying duty as regularly assigned aerial gunners or aircrew members

Participation as regularly assigned aerial gunner or aircrew member in 10 combat missions during which time exposure to enemy fire was probable and expected.

Physically incapacitated through enemy action or while discharging duties as a member of an aircrew."

Information from http://www.303rdbg.com/badges.html

Doc

[Guest mrmac1903]

Hi all,

Here is my only US "Wings" from WW2 period.

Can you guys confirm when they was established? Is it correct 29th April 1943 and staid in use until 26th July 1949?

Also is there any aprox figure out there how many of those was produced by government?

Also what was exact entitlmenets to earn this badge. As far I know:

1. Gunnery School qualification in Arizona or Florida

2. 150 hours flights

3. 10 combat flights where they experiensed enemy fire

Is it correct?

Yes and these are what are called graduation wings since they are marked only sterling. When the government purchased wings they did not have the manufacturers hallmark on them. Nice example.

Any other interesting details about this?

Regards,

Timo