Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a fantastic example of a rather difficult set of wings to acquire. During WWII U.S. forces were stationed in Britain for some time prior to the D-Day invasion, and as such local businesses started to supply items, as it was much easier than having them shipped from the U.S.. This gorgeous set is not only English-made but retains some British Silver hallmarks on the reverse. These are an Anchor, for the City of Birmingham, a Lion, indicating Sterling Silver, and a capital U, the date letter for 1944. This is one of the most gorgeous sets of Glider wings we have ever offered!

Offered in lovely condition. Ready to display!

Glider Pilot wings were awarded to soldiers who completed training as pilots of military gliders (MOS 1026). The wings were issued initially during the Second World War. The final class of Glider Pilots ever to be trained received their wings in January 1945 at South Plains Army Airfield, near Lubbock, Texas. These wings should not be confused with the Glider Badge which was created in 1944 to recognize glider-borne ground troops (mostly Infantry, but also various supporting arms) of U.S. Airborne Divisions, who rode into combat as passengers.

The success of German glider-borne forces early in World War II catapulted the Army Air Forces into a glider program in February 1941. In December 1941, plans called for training 1,000 AAF glider pilots, but eventually about 5,500 received their wings. Most Glider Pilots came from the enlisted ranks — all were volunteers. Junior enlisted personnel trained in the pay grade of Sergeant during training, while NCOs and above trained in-grade. Upon graduation, Sergeants and below would be promoted to Staff Sergeant, whereas those already in the grade of Staff Sergeant or higher retained their current grade. After Nov. 21, 1942, all enlisted graduates were appointed as Flight Officers — equal to the then existing rank of Warrant Officer Junior Grade (WO 1) — upon completing Advanced Glider Training.

Initially, applicants for Glider Pilot training had to meet the following requirements:

-Age 18 to 35 years
-Pass AAF Class I or II flying medical examination
-Score at least 110 on the Army AGCT Test, or at least 65 on the Aviation Cadet Mental Screening Test
-Have prior flying experience meeting one or more of the following criteria:
-Hold a currently effective civilian airman certificate in the grade of private pilot or higher, or
-Held a lapsed airman certificate, provided that such certificate did not lapse prior to 1 January 1941, or Completed 200 or more previous glider flights, or Previously eliminated from military or naval pilot training, provided at least 50 hours had been logged as principal pilot (solo or performing duties of first-pilot under supervision)and/or as student pilot on military or naval aircraft.

Effective 12 June 1942, individuals with no previous flying experience were also accepted into glider training. Individuals meeting the experience criteria listed above were classified as Class A Students, and all others as Class B Students. Several critical changes were introduced into the training program during 1942-43 (as described in the next two paragraphs), however ground training included practical instruction in basic infantry skills in addition to the normal aviation ground school subjects throughout.