{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-amcraft-sterling-glider-pilot-wings-with-early-patent-pending-clutchback-fasteners-3-inch","title":"Original U.S. WWII AMCRAFT Sterling Glider Pilot Wings with Early “PATENT PENDING” Clutchback Fasteners, 3 Inch","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an especially desirable set of original U.S. WWII Glider Pilot wings produced in sterling silver by AMCRAFT of Attleboro, Massachusetts. Measuring 3 inches across, the badge combines a scarce maker marking with early clutchback posts and “PATENT PENDING” marked fasteners, creating a particularly appealing variation for advanced collectors of U.S. Army Air Forces and airborne insignia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse is clearly embossed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAMCRAFT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eATTLEBORO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMASS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTERLING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth clutchback fasteners are marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENT PENDING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wings exhibit some age related tarnishing, as shown, but retain strong detail and an attractive untouched appearance. The early style clutchback fittings are an important feature and add considerably to the collector interest of this AMCRAFT produced example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlider Pilot wings were awarded to personnel who completed military glider pilot training under Military Occupational Specialty 1026. They should not be confused with the separate Glider Badge authorized in 1944 for qualified glider borne ground troops, including infantrymen and supporting personnel who entered combat as passengers aboard military gliders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rapid development of German glider forces early in WWII helped prompt the U.S. Army Air Forces to establish its own glider program in February 1941. Initial plans called for the training of 1,000 pilots, although approximately 5,000 ultimately earned Glider Pilot wings. Many candidates came from the enlisted ranks, and all were volunteers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJunior enlisted candidates trained in the pay grade of Sergeant, while noncommissioned officers and higher ranking personnel retained their existing grades during training. Upon graduation, men holding the rank of Sergeant or below were promoted to Staff Sergeant, while those already serving as Staff Sergeants or above retained their grade. After November 21, 1942, enlisted graduates completing Advanced Glider Training were appointed Flight Officers, a grade equivalent to the contemporary Warrant Officer Junior Grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly applicants were generally required to be between 18 and 35 years of age, pass an Army Air Forces Class I or II flying medical examination, and achieve the required score on either the Army General Classification Test or Aviation Cadet Mental Screening Test. Candidates were also initially expected to possess previous aviation experience, such as a current or recently expired civilian pilot certificate, at least 200 glider flights, or prior participation in military or naval pilot training with sufficient logged flying time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEffective June 12, 1942, the program was expanded to accept men without previous flying experience. Applicants meeting the earlier aviation experience standards were classified as Class A students, while those without prior experience were designated Class B students. Training combined aviation instruction with practical ground schooling, including basic infantry skills intended to prepare pilots for the realities of landing with airborne forces in contested territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent example of one of the most distinctive U.S. Army Air Forces qualification badges of WWII. Its full 3 inch size, AMCRAFT maker mark, sterling construction, early “PATENT PENDING” clutchback fasteners, and honest age patina make it particularly desirable for collections focused on U.S. flight insignia, glider operations, airborne forces, or WWII Army Air Forces material.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45409675739205,"sku":"ONJR25JUHG05","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25JUHG05__01.jpg?v=1785254843","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-amcraft-sterling-glider-pilot-wings-with-early-patent-pending-clutchback-fasteners-3-inch","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}