Name/Title
Gold Plated Propeller and Wings Belt BuckleEntry/Object ID
2022.1.225Description
24 K gold-plated belt buckle bearing the propeller and wings insignia. The Prop and Wings insignia, featuring a propeller and wings, has long been a symbol identifying various aviation units within the United States military. Its origins trace back to at least 1920 as the branch insignia for the United States Army Air Service. Today, variations of the Prop and Wings are still utilized by both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army Aviation branch. Traditionally, United States Air Force Academy Cadets received this insignia as a hat badge at the end of their freshman year, signifying their transition to upper-class status. While the standard insignia is typically chrome, a gold Prop and Wings badge can be worn by cadets from all commissioning sources if they meet specific criteria: being a direct descendant of an Army Air Corps veteran, having served with Women Air Force Pilots (WASP), completing 20 years of service, or being a service member who died in the line of duty.Collection
Rhodes Brothers CollectionsAcquisition
Accession
2022.1Source or Donor
Douglas J. RhodesAcquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
*title of entry*, Rhodes Brothers Collection, *Accession Number*, *Exhibit Title (if it's being displayed)*, Southern Forest Heritage Museum, Long Leaf, LA.Mark, Engraving or Stamp
Type
Engraving, StampLocation
Front, backTranscription
On front is Prop and Wings insignia, on back is "24 K Gold Plated"Material/Technique
Inscribed
