Original Item: Only One Available. The Balloon Pilot Badge is a military decoration of the United States Navy that was issued to those service members who received training and qualification as dirigible pilots. Precisely when the United States Navy approved the design of the breast insignia for Balloon Pilot is unclear. The badge is first mentioned in the 1922 Uniform Regulations, it stated that enlisted Sailors who hold “certificates of qualification as balloon pilots” were authorized to wear the same insignia as Naval Aviators Wings, but with the right wing removed. Its design was based on early versions of the Observer Badge, used in the United States Army Air Corps.

The Balloon Pilot Badge was issued well into the 1970s, with occasional awards, on a case-by-case basis until the end of the 20th century. In the modern Navy, however, the Balloon Pilot Badge is considered obsolete, but still may be found on various insignia and badge charts promulgated through U.S. Navy instructions and publications.

This Balloon Pilot Badge appears as a "half-wing" version of the Naval Aviator Badge and still almost all of its original “golden” finish and is without damage. The pin and catch are both still present and functional. No hallmarks or stampings can be found on the backside.

This is an excellent example of an obsolete United States Navy Balloon Pilot Badge. Comes ready to display!