4th Infantry Division, Color, Cut-Edge
These standard embroidered patches have a non-merrowed "cut" edge. Perfect for WWII, Korea, and early to mid-war Vietnam impressions. Learn More
11th Airborne Division, Color, Cut-Edge
The 11th Airborne Division was active from 1943 to 1958, then the 11th Airborne was reactivated and designated as the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) in 1963 to explore the concepts of helicopter based Air Mobile Warfare. In June 1965 the division was deactivated and all assets transferred to the 1st Cavalry Division. Tab is included, but it is not attached.
These standard embroidered patches have a non-merrowed "cut" edge. Perfect for WWII, Korea, and early to mid-war Vietnam impressions. 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
Parachutist Qualification Badge, Basic. USAF Subd
United States Air Force Subdued Qualification Badge. Blue thread on OD Cloth. Also known as Parachute Qual or Para Qual Badges. Learn More
Parachute Qualification Badge, Senior. USAF Subd
United States Air Force Subdued Qualification Badge. Blue thread on OD Cloth. Also known as Parachute Qual or Para Qual Badges. Learn More
1st Aviation Brigade, Color, Cut-Edge
These standard embroidered patches have a non-merrowed "cut" edge. Perfect for early to mid-war Vietnam impressions. Learn More
Armor Branch of Service, Pin-On Subd. We have two different versions available. The first are new made by current government contractors. We also have some Vietnam dated original sets in the wrapper. Learn More
