Original Item. Very Few Available. We are offering a fantastic selection of original Japanese WWII Pilot’s wing badges, each measuring roughly 1½ x 4⅛”. There is fraying in the stitching along the edges, but they are all guaranteed to be original to the period.

The insignia are all in wonderful condition and exhibit vibrant colors and detail still. You will receive one as shown, with varying degrees of fraying in the edges of the material which can be easily cut off. This is a very scarce offering of lovely Japanese unissued pilot’s badges. Get one before they’re all gone!

The Imperial Japanese Army Air Service (IJAAS) or Imperial Japanese Army Air Force was the aviation force of the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). Just as the IJA in general was modeled mainly on the German Army, the IJAAS initially developed along similar lines to the Imperial German Army Aviation; its primary mission was to provide tactical close air support for ground forces, as well as a limited air interdiction capability. The IJAAS also provided aerial reconnaissance to other branches of the IJA. While the IJAAS engaged in strategic bombing of cities such as Shanghai, Nanking, Canton, Chongqing, Rangoon, and Mandalay, this was not the primary mission of the IJAAS, and it lacked a heavy bomber force.

It did not usually control artillery spotter/observer aircraft; artillery battalions controlled the light aircraft and balloons that operated in these roles. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service was responsible for long-range bomber and attack aircraft, as well as strategic air defense. It was not until the later stages of the Pacific War that the two air arms attempted to integrate the air defense of the home islands.