Name/Title
AWS BrassardEntry/Object ID
2023.1.506Description
A World War Two era brassard, machine sewn onto blue felt. The armband is marked US Army Air Force AWS Observer with yellow gold eagle wings.Use
The Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) was a civilian service of the United States Army Ground Observer Corps instated during World War II to keep watch for enemy planes entering American airspace. These brassards were used to identify themselves.Context
These civilian observers received extensive training to become quite skilled in the recognition of aircraft. This training was so productive that it became quite popular with even non-AWS citizens.Made/Created
Date made
circa 1939 - circa 1945