Original Items: Only One Lot of 5 Available. Army Aviation developed rapidly during World War I with significant advancements in aircraft types, weapons, ordnance, instruments and flight gear, including parachutes. Initially, parachutes were developed primarily for balloon observers who were forced to jump from their observation baskets when attacked. Unfortunately, early parachutes were too heavy and bulky for most small aircraft and many pilots perished in their burning aircraft grimly nicknamed "flaming coffins"

As aircraft developed during the interwar period, military planners also experimented with parachutes both to save lives and to insert troops into combat. Gliders were also developed to deliver troops, artillery and supplies. The outbreak of World War II in 1939 provided an opportunity to implement and refine airborne doctrines. The German military had some notable early airborne successes in Norway, Belgium and Crete; lessons not lost on Army planners.

Recognizing the potential of airborne forces, the Army moved to create airborne units shortly before America's entry into World War II. A test platoon was formed in June 1940 to help develop airborne tactics and equipment. The 82nd Infantry Division was redesignated and the 101st was activated on 15 August 1942 as the Army's first two airborne divisions. The 11th, 13th and 17th Airborne Divisions were activated by 1943. A typical airborne division included a mix of parachute and glider infantry regiments, with artillery, engineer and support units.

The Items In This Lot:
U.S. Paratroopers Garrison Cap Badge: Great Condition.

U.S. Paratrooper Officers Glider Garrison Cap Badge: Great condition, minor fading.

In case of the Airborne Troops Patches were worn on the front side of the Garrison Cap. Worn on the left side indicated Enlisted Men, worn on the right side indicated Officers. The Officers could wear their rank insignia (i.a. Lt Bars) on the left side of the Cap. Generally this goes for the first type of Parachute or Glider Infantry or Artillery Patches, only displaying a Parachute or Glider on a Blue (Infantry), Brownish (Medical) or Red (Artillery) background.

The later combined Airborne Patches (with a Glider and Parachute displayed on a Dark Blue background encircled by a White, Light Blue or Red border), can be seen worn on both sides of the cap.

Generally the point in which the front of the Glider is directed indicates the difference between an Enlisted Men or an Officer. Glider pointed to the Left: Enlisted Men. Glider Pointed to the Right: Officer.

17th Airborne Shoulder Patch (No Rocker): The Golden Talon on the black background division insignia symbolizes the grasping of the golden opportunities out of the darkness by surprise.

The 17th Airborne Division, "The Golden Talons", was an airborne infantry division of the United States Army during World War II, commanded by Major General William M. Miley.

It was officially activated as an airborne division in April 1943 but was not immediately sent to a combat theater, remaining in the United States to complete its training. During this training process, the division took part in several training exercises, including the Knollwood Maneuver, in which it played a vital part in ensuring that the airborne division remained as a military formation in the U.S. Army. As such it did not take part in the first two large-scale airborne operations conducted by the Allies, Operation Husky and Operation Neptune, transferring to Britain only after the end of Operation Overlord.

French Fourragère: The 82nd Airborne Division was awarded the Fourragère in 1944 for actions at Normandy. Also awarded the Order of William by the Kingdom of the Netherlands for gallantry during Operation Market Garden in 1944.

The fourragère is normally worn by members of a unit awarded the decoration. When they leave the unit, they have to relinquish the fourragère. However members who took part personally in the actions leading to the award of the fourragère can continue to wear the fourragère, even after leaving the unit. They can only wear a fourragère corresponding to the number of actions they actually took part in. Thus, if a member of a 5-mentions regiment leaves but took part in only two mentioned actions, he can only wear the croix de guerre fourragère and not the médaille militaire fourragère.

Parachutist Badge (Hollow Back): The basic U.S. Army airborne parachutist badge is unchanged since its creation in 1941. Great condition with tarnishing present. The pin arm is still present, however, the catch and locking mechanism is bent and hard to close.

During World War II, airborne-qualified officers received $100 per month and enlisted paratroopers $50 in incentive pay. This was a significant amount of money, since a private (E-1) made $21 a month in 1942. Even in 1943, when pay went up to $50 a month for a private, receiving an extra $50 jump pay meant double pay.

All items come more than ready to complete displays or display together!