Uniform Patches, Pins, Medals Worn By Glider Pilots

The glider pilot wings with the G on the shield, a refinement of the power pilot wing, has become a symbol for the work being done in uncovering and preserving the history of this large, once ignored and under appreciated group of aviators. Other soldiers worn the patches, medals and other symbols shown here and in earlier posts; only a special group of aviators wore the glider wings.

A good summary of their unique missions can be found at the web sites for the Silent Wings Museum and the WWII Glider Pilot Association noted under the blog banner.

The golden eagle was worn on Sylvan's dress uniform hat. However, on the blog banner photo above you see that Sylvan wears power wings on his hat. The photo was taken soon after he graduated from Advanced Flight School. I was told it was not exactly proper for glider pilots to wear this officer insignia, since they were warrant grade officers, but no one minded if they did.
It was entirely common for glider pilots, especially the ones trained early in the war, to co-pilot C-47s and to fly small planes.

The patches worn on the airman's sleeve can be bought at any museum gift store today. The ones you see here are the real thing, once worn by a WWII member of the 316th Troop Carrier Group! Note the bars for the Air Medal and ETO ribbon. Prior posts give their full import.