USAAF Army Air Force Leather Shoulder patch

 AAF Army Air Force Leather shoulder patch

Worn by US pilots and Aircrew on their leather jackets was worn by most stateside personnel from the start of 1942 in all theatres of War until replaced by individual US Airforce badges in mid 1943, this badge was seen worn on Capt hilts leather A2 jacket in the Great Escape.

The badge was designed by Mr Rawls an Artist attached to the USAAF he was apparently shown a picture of US British Prime Minister Winston Churchill giving his well-known "V for Victory" sign. Rawls made a quick sketch bending the wings up, and General Arnold said, "That's just what I wanted."

The ultramarine disk represents the medium in which the Air Forces operated, and the white star with red disk was the identifying symbol of U.S. Army and Navy airplanes since 1921. (The red disk was removed from aircraft markings in 1942 to prevent confusion with Japanese insignia.) The golden wings symbolize victorious operation.