Original Item. Only One Available. This is an exceptionally nice original U.S. WWII Airborne Parachutist Badge manufactured in sterling silver and fitted with a pin back fastener. Commonly known as “Jump Wings,” the badge retains a crisp design, a fully functional pin assembly, and an untouched silver patina.

The face depicts an open parachute centered above a pair of stylized wings, the distinctive design adopted for qualified U.S. Army parachutists during WWII.

The reverse is marked in a curved arrangement:

STERLING

The badge retains its original pin back attachment. The pin and catch remain fully functional, allowing the badge to be secured as intended. The pin and stamp style could possibly identify the wings to a maker with some work.

The silver has naturally tarnished with age, producing an even patina across the surface. The badge remains in crisp, very good condition, with the parachute canopy, suspension lines, feathers, and other design details clearly defined.

The U.S. Army Parachutist Badge was designed in 1941 by Captain William P. Yarborough, who later attained the rank of Lieutenant General. Yarborough developed the design while serving with the Provisional Parachute Group, and the badge received formal War Department approval on March 10th, 1941.

The metal badge replaced the earlier cloth parachutist insignia worn on the side of the garrison cap. It became the recognized qualification badge for soldiers who completed the prescribed airborne training or otherwise met the wartime requirements for qualification as military parachutists.

During WWII, Jump Wings were worn by members of the rapidly expanding American airborne forces, including personnel of the 11th, 13th, 17th, 82nd, and 101st Airborne Divisions, as well as independent parachute infantry and specialized airborne units. The badge became one of the most recognizable symbols of American airborne service.

The curved STERLING marking, functional pin back fastener, sharply defined design, and naturally aged silver surface make this a strong representative example of the WWII Parachutist Badge. Its uncleaned patina and complete fastening assembly preserve the qualities valued in original airborne insignia, making it appropriate for a collection of U.S. WWII qualification badges, sterling silver insignia, or American airborne material.