These are the wings worn by members of the Army Air Force in World War II. The illustrations and information on this page come from the 1944 edition of "The Officer's Guide" published by the Military Service Publishing Company for the United States Army (original price was $2.50!). These are not all the wings that were authorized but do represent those seen in the Southwest Pacific theater. I did not include the Flight Engineer badge as I believe it was worn very late in the war by B-29 Flight Engineers and as far as I know there were no B-29 squadrons in the 13th AAF. Please let me know if that is incorrect.
		There were four types or classifications of flying schools in the Army Air Force. Elementary Flying School: Students are instructed and trained in the technique of piloting military aircraft and in the technical subjects connected to a degree of proficiency which enables them to pursue satisfactorily the course of training at the basic flying schools. Basic Flying School: Basic flying schools continue the instructional process enabling the student to undertake the work of the advanced flying schools. Advanced Flying School: This course of instruction qualifies them in the technique of piloting military aircraft and in other subjects associated with it. It includes the duties of members of aircraft combat crews. Upon completion the student will attain the degree of proficiency required for piloting combat aircraft. Specialized Flying School: Specialized flying schools qualify students as members of aircraft combat crews or for specialized flying duties with tactical units of the Army Air Forces. There are diversified courses in the piloting of special types of aircraft, including gliders, and in aerial gunnery, bombing, aerial observation, and in technical and tactical subjects connected therewith. (Paraphrased from "The Officer's Guide" (1944)).
			Badges are worn on the left breast; aviation, parachutists, and Combat and Expert Infantryman badges are worn above the line of medals or service ribbons, other badges below that line. Aviation badges earned by Army personnel while serving in the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are worn immediately above the upper right pocket of the service coat and immediately above the right pocket of the service shirt when worn as an outer garment. Substitutes are not authorized to be worn in lieu of badges. There is no order of precedence for badges.
		Pilot Wings were awarded to individuals who passed the rigorous training including a solo flight.
			Senior Pilot Same requirements as pilot wings plus 5 years of service and 1500 hours logged.
		Command Pilot Same requirements as pilot wings plus 10 years of service and 2000 hours logged.
			Service Pilot This badge was created to allow pilots who were over age to join the Army Air Corps and fly assignments other than combat.
		Liaison Pilot These pilots flew small aircraft such as L-4s and L-5s primarily as artillery spotters. They were not qualified to fly combat aircraft.
			Navigator Navigator wings were awarded upon completion of the AAF course in aerial navigation.
		Bombardier The Bombardier wings were awarded to graduates of the AAF bombardiers training program.
			Aerial Gunner To qualify as an aerial gunner the airman had to graduate from a six week course in flexible gunnery. Navigator and Bombardier cadets had to take this course also.
		Aircrew Member These were given to photographers, radio operators, and various other air crew members including, on very rare occasions, WACs.
			Flight Nurse Awarded to women in the Army Nurse Corps who served at least six months at an AAF hospital and completed the eight week training course for flight nurses. They served aboard casualty evacuation aircraft, usually C-47 Skytrains.

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