Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. Army Glider Badge, a distinctive qualification badge associated with the glider-borne elements of the American airborne forces during World War II. This example is of sterling silver construction with a traditional pin-back fastening system and is vertically marked STERLING.

Most of the original finish has worn away, and the set now displays a lovely patina color. There appears to be no damage and still retains impeccable detail!

Authorization of the Glider Badge was announced in War Department Circular No. 220 on June 2, 1944. At the time of its introduction, eligibility applied to qualifying officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel assigned or attached to a glider or airborne unit, or to the Airborne Department of the Infantry School, who had completed the prescribed training requirements or participated in at least one qualifying combat glider landing into enemy-held territory.

Soldiers who had already earned it remained authorized to wear it, and Army regulations continued to provide for retroactive recognition when qualifying wartime service could be adequately documented.

The combination of the sterling silver construction, traditional pin-back attachment, clear STERLING marking, intact hardware, and well-preserved glider-and-wing design makes this a particularly attractive example of one of the most recognizable qualification badges associated with the U.S. Army’s wartime airborne forces.