Name/Title
World War II Army Air Force Corps PatchEntry/Object ID
2026.C.4.15Description
WWII United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Second Air Force shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI), frequently referred to as the "Hap Arnold". The patch features a golden yellow stylized wings extending from a white five-pointed star with a red circle in the center, all set against an ultramarine, blue disk. The artist was inspired to angle the golden wings upward into a "V" shape after seeing the famous "V for Victory" signs popularized by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The wings symbolize a victorious flight operation and the pursuit of air superiority. The white star with the red is the historical Hap Arnold Army Air Forces symbol during the early war period. The blue disk represents the sky, the primary domain of air operations. It was approved for wear on February 23, 1942, for all personnel serving in the Army Air Forces during WWII. Traditionally worn on the left shoulder.Collection
Military Collection