Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original U.S. WWII Airborne Glider School insignia patch, a distinctive piece of early American airborne history. This design is identified as having first been worn by personnel associated with the United States Airborne Glider School and later with the 79th Troop Carrier Squadron of the IX Troop Carrier Command.

The 79th Troop Carrier Squadron played an important role in Allied airborne operations in the European Theater. Troop Carrier units were responsible for transporting paratroopers, towing gliders, and delivering men, vehicles, weapons, and supplies directly into combat zones.

On June 6, 1944, IX Troop Carrier Command aircraft participated in the airborne phase of the Normandy invasion, carrying and towing U.S. airborne forces into France during the opening hours of D-Day. Glider operations were particularly hazardous, as the unpowered aircraft had to be released over enemy-held territory and landed in small fields that were frequently obstructed by hedgerows, poles, ditches, and German defensive obstacles.

Glider troops performed an essential role within U.S. airborne forces because they could bring heavier equipment into the landing zones than individual paratroopers could carry. Gliders transported infantrymen as well as jeeps, anti-tank guns, ammunition, communications equipment, and other supplies required to reinforce airborne units operating behind enemy lines.

This patch measures approximately:

5 1/4 inches wide x 3 1/2 inches high

It remains in great overall condition with strong embroidery and very little material loss. The original colors remain vibrant and the design is still crisp and visually impressive.

The reverse retains an old collector’s handwritten note attempting to identify the unit associated with the insignia, an interesting part of the patch’s collecting history.

Overall, this is a very appealing example of a scarce WWII airborne insignia pattern connected with the development of U.S. glider forces and the Troop Carrier units that delivered them into combat.