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Recollections of War > Records

United States Army Air Force sterling silver Air Crew badge

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L.G. Balfour Company

c. 1942

Overview

World War Two era United States Army Air Force sterling silver Air Crew badge. It features detailed outspread wings flanking a central disc engraved with the letter 'M'.
The reverse is plain except for the maker's details and there is a pin clasp with a rotating swivel lock for attachment.

Historical information

Badges such as this were awarded after 4 September 1942 to vital, non-pilot enlisted personnel and essential support crew members operating combat or training flights during the height of World War Two. They were commonly worn by radio operators, flight engineers, and aerial gunners.
Most had the Military Great Seal in the centre. However, this example has an engraved 'M', the meaning of which is unknown.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00951

Item type

Accessories

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Personal Effects

Themes

War and Conflict

War and Conflict > World War 2

Material

Metal

Silver

Width

52 mm

Height or length

13 mm

Inscriptions and markings

On reverse of badge:

"BALFOUR
STERLING"

Keywords

World War Two

Air Force

United States Army Air Force

Badges & Buttons

Second World War military insignia

Personal Items

Place made

United States

Year

Primary significance criteria

Social or spiritual significance

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity

Last modified

Friday, 26 June, 2026

Completeness

100

Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Other items from Recollections of War

United States Army Air Force sterling silver Air Crew badge

United States Army Air Force sterling silver Air Crew badge

Reverse of United States Army Air Force sterling silver Air Crew badge

Reverse of United States Army Air Force sterling silver Air Crew badge

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