Air Assault Badge, 2nd Pattern, Subdued. This badge is the "official" Air Assault Badge and was worn POST Vietnam War.
The original Air Assault Badge was an unofficial design worn in the 11th Air Assault Division starting in the Spring of 1964. The badge was carried over in the move to the 1st Cavalry Division early on but faded out from use as the Division grew. Post Vietnam, with the reorganization of the 10st Airborne to Air Mobile / Air Assault, a new badge was created blending the iconic nose section of a UH1 Huey with parachute wings. The Air Assault Badge was approved by the Chief of Staff, Army, on 18 January 1978, for Army-wide wear by individuals who successfully completed Air Assault training after 1 April 1974. The badge had previously been approved as the Airmobile Badge authorized for local wear by the Commander of the 101st Airborne Division, effective 1 April 1974. Learn More
Air Assault Badge, 1st Pattern, Color. We have finally reproduced this hard to find patch.
With the activation of the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) on 15 February 1963 at Fort Benning, Georgia, the division
commander, then Brigadier General Harry W. O. Kinnard, began to fashion an operational reality from a vision – what later
came to be called “airmobility”.
Part of this mission was to create a ‘state of mind’ among the members of the division – “sky soldiers” as they were called –
to instill in them belief in the new airmobile concept. Airmobility had to do more than merely provide Infantry troops with
helicopters for rides – it needed to train all ground elements in conjunction with all air elements to create a well-honed combat
fighting team.
To differentiate 11th Air Assault Division “sky soldiers” from other Army units, General Kinnard had designed and
established a ‘special’ badge’ that his “sky soldiers” could wear as a mark of their airmobility expertise. This became the
11th Air Assault Division (Test) “Air Assault Badge”, first issued in the spring of 1964.
It was never officially recognized by the Army, and Kinnard stated "I wear my original Air Assault Badge proudly, as may anyone in the first shift of the Jumping Mustangs and as far as the rest of you, I personally authorize it. I doubt if anyone will question you."
In order to qualify for this badge, each soldier had to successfully rappel from a helicopter, thrice from 60 feet and twice from
120 feet. Each soldier had to pass aircraft safety procedures, an aircraft orientation, arm and hand signals, combat assault
operations, prepare, inspect and rig equipment for a sling load, and be able to lash down equipment carried in cargo helicopters.
Despite the 11th Air Assault (Test) being rolled into the 1st Cavalry Division, the "Original" Air Assault Badge was an item of pride and you see it in use throughout the 60's in both US and in-country made styles in color and subdued. Originals are very hard to find and coveted by their owners. Learn More
Air Assault Badge, 1st Pattern, Subdued. We have finally reproduced this hard to find patch.
With the activation of the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) on 15 February 1963 at Fort Benning, Georgia, the division
commander, then Brigadier General Harry W. O. Kinnard, began to fashion an operational reality from a vision – what later
came to be called “airmobility”.
Part of this mission was to create a ‘state of mind’ among the members of the division – “sky soldiers” as they were called –
to instill in them belief in the new airmobile concept. Airmobility had to do more than merely provide Infantry troops with
helicopters for rides – it needed to train all ground elements in conjunction with all air elements to create a well-honed combat
fighting team.
To differentiate 11th Air Assault Division “sky soldiers” from other Army units, General Kinnard had designed and
established a ‘special’ badge’ that his “sky soldiers” could wear as a mark of their airmobility expertise. This became the
11th Air Assault Division (Test) “Air Assault Badge”, first issued in the spring of 1964.
It was never officially recognized by the Army, and Kinnard stated "I wear my original Air Assault Badge proudly, as may anyone in the first shift of the Jumping Mustangs and as far as the rest of you, I personally authorize it. I doubt if anyone will question you."
In order to qualify for this badge, each soldier had to successfully rappel from a helicopter, thrice from 60 feet and twice from
120 feet. Each soldier had to pass aircraft safety procedures, an aircraft orientation, arm and hand signals, combat assault
operations, prepare, inspect and rig equipment for a sling load, and be able to lash down equipment carried in cargo helicopters.
Despite the 11th Air Assault (Test) being rolled into the 1st Cavalry Division, the "Original" Air Assault Badge was an item of pride and you see it in use throughout the 60's in both US and in-country made styles in color and subdued. Originals are very hard to find and coveted by their owners. Learn More
